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Youth Mental Health Fund: Applicant guide

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Should you apply

The Youth Mental Health Fund is looking to fund projects of up to $500,000 per fiscal year for projects that may be up to 48 months in length, to enhance the capacity of community health organizations to deliver more care for young people living in Canada and better equip these organizations to refer youth to other mental health services within their networks and partnerships. Project proposals exceeding the $500,000 per year limit may be considered, at Health Canada's discretion, based on their potential to achieve the objectives of the YMHF.

The following types of organizations may apply:

The deadline to apply is January 22, 2025.

Purpose of this guide

This guide explains the funding process and how to apply for funding under the Youth Mental Health Fund.

Please read the entire guide before applying for funding.

Sections 1 to 6 provide an overview of the funding process, how to apply, and what to expect after you apply.

Annex A is a companion piece to the application form and will provide instructions to help you complete and submit your application.

Annex B is a glossary of terms.

Section 1: Notice to applicants

Health Canada reserves the right to:

Health Canada will not reimburse an applicant for costs incurred while preparing or submitting an application for funding.

Health Canada is under no obligation to enter into a funding agreement as a result of any invitation to submit an application.

Health Canada funding seeks to improve health outcomes of all people living in Canada, including racialized, equity-seeking groups.

Information in your application will be subject to the Access to Information Act (ATIA) which gives Canadians a right to access information under a department's control, with some exemptions.

Section 2: Overview

About the Youth Mental Health Fund

The Youth Mental Health Fund (YMHF), announced by the federal government in Budget 2024, is a funding program that aims to improve the mental health of youth and for their families, and to enhance access to, and navigation of, mental health services with a particular focus on equity-deserving groups.

Program objectives

The YMHF aims to contribute to long-term improvements in mental health outcomes for youth and to advance the creation of a strengthened, integrated and accessible youth mental health system that addresses the needs of equity-deserving and underserved youth populations. Specifically, the YMHF seeks to improve the availability, accessibility and quality of mental health supports and services for youth by:

Funding priority

Funding will be provided for projects under the following priority:

Other priority streams of the YMHF will be funded through complementary mechanisms, rather than this open call for proposals. These include:

Priority populations

Youth

The overarching priority population for the YMHF is youth living in Canada. The term "youth" typically refers to those in the stage of life from early adolescence to adulthood. Among many mental health service providers who target supports for youth, this is typically between the ages of 12-25. The YMHF recognizes that different service providers may use varying age parameters based on developmental needs, regional considerations, or specific mental health challenges. To accommodate this, the Fund will maintain flexibility in how 'youth' is defined, allowing projects to tailor their services to meet the needs of youth at different stages of adolescence and early adulthood.

Equity-deserving, Indigenous and underserved youth populations

The YMHF aims to improve access to, and navigation of, mental health supports and services for youth within their communities, with a focus on providing targeted support to youth who face multiple barriers and youth in underserved regions or populations with pressing needs.Footnote 2 This includes Indigenous youth, youth who identify as 2SLGBTQI+, youth experiencing systemic discrimination and racism, young women and girls, Black Canadians, refugees, newcomers or immigrants, minority language communities, including official language minority communities, individuals from rural/remote areas, low-income households, youth transitioning out of care, and youth facing homelessness or housing insecurity.

Program outcomes

Your application must show how your project would contribute to at least one indicator from each of the program outcomes listed below:

Immediate outcome: Strengthened capacity of community organizations outside IYS networks and hubs to provide effective, integrated, timely, equitable and culturally appropriate/safe mental health care to youth and their families.

Indicators:

Intermediate outcome: Community organizations are using the strategies, knowledge, tools, skills and abilities gained from YMHF projects to improve the effectiveness, timeliness, and cultural appropriateness of integrated mental health care provided to youth and their families.

Indicators:

Application deadline

The application deadline for this funding opportunity is 11:59 p.m. (ET) January 22, 2025.

Project limits

Each organization may submit only one proposal and will be considered for a single project. The total maximum amount of funding per organization is $500,000 per fiscal year (April 1 to March 31). Projects can begin as early as April 1, 2025, and must be completed no later than March 31, 2029. Project proposals exceeding the $500,000 per year limit may be considered, at Health Canada's discretion, based on their potential to achieve the objectives of the YMHF.

Who can apply

The following types of Canadian applicants are eligible for funding:

The YMHF will allow third-party agreements to further distribute funding to not-for-profit organizations. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how activities carried out by third parties will benefit the project target population.

These applicants cannot apply

The following types of applicants are not eligible for funding:

While these applicants are not eligible for direct funding, they may collaborate with eligible organizations on a project. However, they will not receive funding directly under the YMHF.

Eligible activities

Eligible activities should be focused on helping community health organizations improve access to mental health care for young people living in Canada, and better equip these organizations to refer youth to other mental health services within their networks and partnerships. These include:

Eligible expenditures

The following types of expenditures are eligible for funding:

Capital expenditures, including those over $500,000 per project, require prior Health Canada approval and are eligible only if the recipient demonstrates a sustainable maintenance plan for these investments post-YMHF funding.

Note: Costs incurred prior to Health Canada approval or the project start date will not be reimbursed by Health Canada. You will be solely responsible for these costs.

Ineligible expenditures

Ineligible expenditures include but are not limited to:

Section 3: Before you apply

Diverse populations and Sex- and Gender-based Analysis Plus

For applicants who are new to Sex- and Gender-based Analysis Plus, you are encouraged to do the free Introduction to Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) online course. Annex A has additional details.

Information sessions

A virtual information session was held on December 12, 2024. To access the materials from the session, please email: YMHF-FSMJ@hc-sc.gc.ca.

Privacy and personal information

Health Canada is committed to respecting applicants' privacy and protecting their personal information. The department is obligated to manage information according to the Department of Health Act, Access to Information Act, the Privacy Act, and the Library and Archives Canada Act. These acts dictate how Health Canada may use, disclose, and retain personal, confidential or other information.

You have the right to:

Section 4: How to apply

Instructions on how to complete an application package are in Annex A of this guide. An application package includes the application form and any additional attachments referred to in the Application form.

A completed application package must be electronically signed and submitted to YMHF-FSMJ@hc-sc.gc.ca by the application deadline.

Section 5: After you apply

Health Canada will acknowledge receipt of your application

After you submit your application package, you will receive an email from the program to acknowledge that your application has been received. Ensure an accurate, valid email address is included in your application.

Health Canada will assess your application

Once submitted, your application will be diligently reviewed and assessed. Health Canada may share the information provided in your application with other federal government departments, agencies, or external experts (for example, scientific, medical, technical) with confidentiality obligations, so that they can assist in reviewing and assessing your application.

YMHF assessment criteria

The YMHF will screen and assess all applications against the following criteria, as applicable:

Screening against mandatory criteria (minimum requirements)

Applications must demonstrate how the project meets all 4 mandatory criteria. Should applications fail to properly demonstrate meeting these 4 criteria, the application will be screened out of the process and will not be further considered for funding.

Screening note: The following criteria will be used to prioritize projects:

Health Canada will notify you of the final funding decision

Once all applications are assessed, all applicants will be notified in writing as to whether their application was selected for funding. Communications will be sent to the email address for the primary contact you provide. Ensure that this email address is accurate and valid.

All funding decisions are final and non-negotiable, there is no appeal process. Funding decisions are expected to be made by April 2025.

Projects deemed strong but not funded during this process may be retained should future funding opportunities arise.

If your application is successful

Acknowledging Health Canada funding

If you receive funding, you must publicly acknowledge – in English and in French – the financial support received from the Government of Canada in all communications materials and promotional activities. Additional requirements may be included in your funding agreement.

Agreement and reporting requirements

If your application is selected for funding, funds will be administered through a formal agreement. You will be required to provide project-related financial, progress and performance reports, or other reports requested by Health Canda.

Audit

If you receive funding, all project records and financial expenses associated with the project may be audited to ensure they comply with the terms and conditions of your funding agreement.

Budget

If you receive funding, eligible costs must be incurred within the period stipulated in your funding agreement. Funds may only be used for expenditures that are directly related to project activities and cannot under any circumstances be diverted to any other use. Total government funding (federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal) for the same eligible expenditure cannot exceed 100% of that expenditure.

Intellectual property

If you receive funding, your funding agreement will contain an intellectual property clause that you will own the intellectual property of any materials created or developed for the project.

Proactive disclosure

If you receive funding, Health Canada will proactively disclose information about your project to the public on the Open Government website to increase the transparency and usefulness of funding data. Project information will include: the name of the successful applicant, funding amount, duration of the agreement, project description, and location.

Records

If you receive funding, you will be required to keep proper accounts and records related to the project for a period of 6 years after the agreement end date.

Research

If you receive funding you may be required to participate in and contribute to an independent third-party implementation science research project through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Unpaid debts to the Government of Canada

If you receive funding, you must declare any amounts owing to the Government of Canada. Any amounts you owe to the Government of Canada may be deducted from the funds due to the project under the Youth Mental Health Fund.

Section 6: Contact us

For more information on the Youth Mental Health Fund or this solicitation process, email: YMHF-FSMJ@hc-sc.gc.ca.

Annex A: How to complete the application form

It is highly recommended that you review this Annex in its entirety prior to completing your Application form.

Note: Ensure your submission is complete. Incomplete applications may be screened out.

Guidelines are provided for answering each section of the application form.

In addition, the list below identifies sections of the application form that are relevant for describing how your project would meet the assessment criteria outlined in Section 5 of this guide.

Mandatory criteria

Prioritization criteria

Application contacts

Application contacts are the persons who will receive communications regarding your application and may not be the project lead or executive officer. Ensure all information is accurate and up to date.

Applicant information

Information such as your address and your operating name will be captured here. Ensure all information is accurate and up to date.

Eligibility

Upload documents to provide evidence of your legal status. You can provide a brief description of the document being uploaded.

Reminder: A list of eligible applicants can be found in Section 2: Overview - Who can apply of this guide.

Project information

This section will capture high-level details of your application that will help the YMHF easily understand what your project is about.

Note: Greater detail is requested about your project's objectives, activities and outputs in the Objectives, activities and evaluation section.

Project title

Project summary

Max character limit is 1,000

Planned project start date

Planned project end date

Applicant capacity

This section will show how you have the experience and expertise to carry out your proposed project activities.

Suitability

Max character limit is 2,000

Demonstrate how, as an applicant, you are well-suited to carry out your proposed project by describing relevant experience in delivering programs and services. This could include:

Governance and delivery capacity

Max character limit is 2,000

Describe how you have the capacity to manage and carry out your project. This could include a description of your:

Financial management capacity

Max character limit is 2,000

Describe your financial capacity to carry-out your proposed project. Clearly describe how you are well positioned to manage and spend the requested funding during the proposed project timeline. This could include a description of your:

Rationale

It is important to provide a rationale for your project that is clear, and evidence-based. "Evidence-based" refers to any research (qualitative and quantitative, practice-based evidence), studies, data or findings that demonstrate the need for your project. When describing the evidence, include references to the title of any documents you attach.

Funding priorities

Max character limit is 2,000

Project description

Max character limit is 5,000

Please structure your project description to address each of the following in the order provided:

Project need

Max character limit is 5,000

Project evidence files

Reach and beneficiaries

Scope

In the space provided, please list the communities, cities, provinces or territories in which your project will reach.

Project audience

Max character limit is 3,000

Identify who will be involved in your project activities and explain how their personal experiences and expertise will contribute to and enhance your project. Your response should include the following:

Project beneficiaries

Max character limit is 3,000

Describe who your project aims to benefit and how your project will specifically benefit this population. Be sure to mention any impact on specific priority populations identified in Priority populations in Section 2 above.

Your response should include the following:

Sex- and Gender-Based Analysis Plus (diverse populations and gender-based analysis)

Max character limit is 3,000

Health Canda is committed to improving equitable access to health programs and services for all people in Canada. The Sex- and Gender-based Analysis Plus (SGBA Plus) is an approach to understand how different factors affect the way individuals experience the world. Individual experiences can be affected by multiple factors, such as gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, and income, and how these factors may interact with each other as well as social institutions.

Before completing your application, you are encouraged to do the free Introduction to Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) online course. You are expected to incorporate these considerations into your application, to demonstrate how your SGBA Plus analysis of various factors informed your project design.

Consider the following when designing your project:

If you do not have experience in applying SGBA Plus, describe your plan to develop or acquire the required expertise and apply it to your project (such as, staff training, hiring a consultant).

For additional information regarding SGBA Plus, consult the following:

Official language minority communities

Max character limit is 3,000

Health Canada is committed to taking positive measures that enhance the vitality of official language minority communities (OLMCs) (French-speaking people outside Quebec or English-speaking people in Quebec), foster the full recognition and use of English and French in Canadian society, promote and protect the French language, and advance learning opportunities for people in (OLMCs).

Applicants must respect the spirit and the intent of the Official Languages Act. Your application must demonstrate how your project will impact OLMCs, or explain why your project will not be able to impact these communities. When applicable, applicants must also describe how project activities to communicate with the public or deliver services will occur in both official languages.

Consider the following when designing your project:

If you receive funding, your funding agreement will outline the official languages requirements for your project.

For additional information regarding OLMCs, consult the following:

Language of delivery

Indicate which languages you will use for your project activities and outputs, in whole or in part. If your project will be using a language other than English or French, select "other" and list the languages you will use in your project.

Health Canada promotes the use of English and French in Canadian society. Projects should be accessible in one or both official languages. However, depending on your intended reach, your project may focus on a population (project audience or beneficiaries) that does not use either official language (for example, newcomers to Canada who are not yet fluent in English or French); in these instances, selecting "other" will not affect your assessment score.

Partnerships

Best practices and experience demonstrate that projects supported by partners are most likely to succeed. In this section of the application form, describe your meaningful project partners and how they will contribute to advancing the objectives of your project. Meaningful partners are defined as partners who are necessary for the success of the project.

Partner name

Partner contribution: Max character limit is 500

Indicate the contribution this partner will make to your project (for example, shape the project, facilitate relationships with other key stakeholders, serve as a project site, participate in piloting a new intervention or adopt a successful program). For example - ABC Organization will provide a weekly meeting space to host youth mental health group therapy sessions with project beneficiaries. In addition to the venue, ABC Organization will contribute in-kind support through administrative staff, who will help coordinate participant outreach and manage registration.

Partner confirmed: Yes or no

Letters of support: Letters of support from each partner organization confirming their role and support, including in-kind or financial contribution to the project.

Note: While matched funding is not required, any cash or in-kind contributions from partners or other funders are strongly encouraged. If known, identify them in the Cash and in-kind contributions section.

Outcomes

Max character limit is 500

Outcomes are the broader effects or changes that should occur from project activities and outputs. As a whole, your application should demonstrate that your project will support the YMHF desired immediate outcome for the relevant funding priority, as listed in Section 2: Overview - Program outcomes.

Objectives, activities and evaluation

This section will provide Health Canada with information about the specific and measurable goals your project aims to achieve, what actions or tasks will be carried out to achieve these objectives and how you will assess whether or not your project is on track to meet your objectives.

Note: There is a limit of 4 objectives in the Application form. If you need more, please use a new form and reuse the section.

For each objective, please list the following:

Objectives

Max character limit is 1,000

Describe the overall objectives of your project. Ensure that they clearly align with the Funding priority outlined in Section 2: Overview.

Activity

Max character limit is 2,000

The project activities must be clearly stated, feasible and link directly to the objectives of your project and the Funding priority outlined in Section 2: Overview. For example:

Number of persons reached

Identify the estimated number of people in your project audience who you plan to reach through this activity.

Outputs

Max character limit 1,000

List the products, materials, tools or resources you plan to produce that directly stem from the project activities. For example:

Indicators

Max character limit 1,000

Describe the information (qualitative and quantitative) you will use to track project outcomes including by age, gender, sex, and other relevant factors. Breaking data down into these smaller, more specific groups, can help you to see differences and patterns and can show how different groups in a community take part in activities.

An indicator is the means to measure an outcome to gauge performance. Indicators can be:

Data collection methods and analysis

Max character limit 1,000

Outline how you will gather and analyze the information and who will be responsible (for example, surveys, web metrics)

Timelines and frequency

Max character limit 1,000

Describe how often you will collect this data and for what time period.

Example of a project objective

Objective: Establish mobile mental health clinics to deliver direct mental health services to youth aged 12-25 in rural and remote communities

Activities:

Number of persons reached: 1,000 youth

Outputs:

Indicators:

Data collection methods and analysis: Surveys

Timelines and frequency: Annually starting in the second year of the project

Additional project information

Scalability

Max character limit is 2000

Describe if, and how, the outputs and outcomes of your project could be applied at a national level or how the project could be adopted in different settings or audiences. Are there opportunities in which project partners could help expand the reach or impact of the project?

Risk

Max character limit is 2,000

What risks exist that could impact the anticipated activities, outputs and outcomes of this project?

For example:

How are these risks being mitigated? Include the measures you would take to address these risks.

Sustainability

Max character limit is 2,000

Amounts owing to the Government of Canada

Does your organization owe any monies to the Government of Canada. If yes, indicate:

Previous funding from Government of Canada

Max character limit is 1,000

If you have received grant or contribution funding from the Government of Canada in the past 12 months, indicate:

Budget

Max character limit for budget details is 1,000

In your application you must adequately describe the details for each budget category your project will use.

The application form has a budget template to capture planned expenses for the entire project, broken down into budget expenditure categories. Note the following when filling in the budget template:

The next section in this guide provides information and examples on each eligible expenditure category. These examples are illustrative and do not represent an exhaustive list of what expenditures can be included under each category.

Budget categories: Details of eligible expenditures

You may request funding for expenditures that directly support the objectives of your project. Under each eligible budget category, each expenditure must include a description/details so Health Canada can clearly understand what the expenditure is and how you estimated its cost.

The information below provides additional context and examples of expenditures within each eligible budget category. These examples are illustrative and do not represent an exhaustive list of expenditures that could be included under each category.

In all categories, ineligible expenditures include but are not limited to:

Personnel salaries and benefits

For full- or part-time employees:

This can also include vacation pay for employees receiving a lump sum payment instead of paid leave.

This Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website on payroll deductions and benefits may help you estimate expenses for your project.

Note: While personnel salaries and benefits are an eligible expenditure, the following may be considered ineligible:

Contractual personnel

A contract employee is hired for a specific job at a specific rate of pay and is not considered a permanent employee. For example:

Travel and accommodation

Health Canada will only reimburse for travel costs that are consistent with the National Joint Council's travel directive. These include transportation and travel expenses such as:

These websites may help you estimate expenses for your project:

Materials and supplies

Materials and supplies that may be required to support staff or project participants, such as:

Equipment

The rental of office or clinical equipment, such as:

Purchasing these items is allowed if more cost-effective than renting.

Rent and utilities

Rent includes the rent of space, if necessary, as well as utility costs that are included in the monthly rental fee.

Utilities include those that are not already covered in the monthly rental fee. In most cases, it is only telephone charges, but in other cases, heat, electricity and water are not included in the rent.

If the rent or utilities will not be used exclusively for this proposed project, you must specify how the Health Canada-funded portion is calculated. For example, by square footage or other reasonable method.

Performance measurement

All costs related to the evaluation of your project, for example:

Capital expenditures

Capital expenditures are eligible in circumstances where the rental or purchase of such capital is needed to carry out the project activities.

Capital expenditures are defined as:

Capital expenditures over $500,000 will require prior written approval from Health Canada and will only be eligible in circumstances where such a purchase is deemed necessary to carry out project activities.

Other costs

Costs that are directly related to the project but do not fall under the other budget categories. These costs may include:

Example of budget details

The example below demonstrates the level of detail expected in your application form (for a few sample categories).

Personnel salaries and benefits:

Travel and accommodations:

Rent and utilities:

Cash and in-kind contributions

Your application may include other sources of confirmed or anticipated funding (cash or in-kind) that will support your project.

"In-kind" contributions are non-monetary goods or services that are given to the project by you, a partner, or another organization for which you will not be requesting Health Canada to re-imburse. In-kind support may include donated equipment, services, or facilities necessary for the proposed project that would otherwise have to be rented or purchased.

Be sure to include any contributions that you will provide (space or equipment owned by your organization and used for the project, cash from a fundraising event)

Include contributions from other partner organizations or funders, such as:

Attach any documentation demonstrating confirmed or pending cash or in-kind funding.

Source: Legal name of the contributing organization

Amount: Indicate the amount in dollars. Estimate the amount based on market value of what it would cost your project to rent or purchase the item or service.

Cash or In-kind: Select whether the contribution is cash or in-kind

Cash/In-kind description: Describe the cash or in-kind funding. What will it be used for in your project?

Funding confirmed or pending: Select whether the contribution is confirmed of pending.

Additional documents

Attach any additional documentation to support your application.

Declarations

Read all declaration statements. By signing, the individual authorized to submit your application will be acknowledging the statements in this section.

Validate and sign

In order for your application to be eligible, an authorized individual who has the capacity and authority to submit funding applications and enter into agreements on behalf of your organization must complete this section. This individual should be identified as the Executive Officer in your application. A completed application package must be electronically signed and submitted to YMHF-FSMJ@hc-sc.gc.ca by the application deadline.

Annex B: Glossary

2SLGBTQI+

This acronym represents Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and additional people who identify as part of sexual and gender diverse communities. The "2S" at the front recognizes Two-Spirit people as the first 2SLGBTQI+ communities. The "I" for intersex considers sex characteristics beyond sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. The "+" is inclusive of people who identify as part of sexual and gender diverse communities, who use additional terminologies.

The acronym in French is 2ELGBTQI+. It is important to note that "personnes aux deux esprits" et "personnes bispirituelles" can be used interchangeably, although the acronym remains the same.

Audience

Your project audience are the people that your project will directly reach. These individuals will be directly exposed to your project activities. You may interact with them while completing your project.

Some project may have the same audience and beneficiaries.

Beneficiaries

Your project beneficiaries are the people whose health your project is aiming to benefit. You may not have any direct interaction with these individuals while completing your project, but they would experience improved heath if your project was successful.

Some project may have the same audience and beneficiaries.

Community-based mental health care

Patient centred model of care provided outside of the provincial/territorial hospital setting. It includes services and supports provided across the continuum of care, including health promotion, illness prevention, treatment and recovery, integrating mental health supports into settings like schools, workplaces and community centers. Services offered include counselling, peer support, management, particularly for underserved populations.

Culturally appropriate/safe

Recognizing, understanding and applying attitudes and practices that are sensitive to and appropriate for people with diverse cultural socioeconomic and educational backgrounds, and persons of all ages, genders, health status, sexual orientations and abilities.

Equity-deserving groups

Population sub-groups that have historically been disproportionately affected by determinants of poor mental health, and or barriers to mental health care services, and thus deserve targeted supports to support equity.

Indicators

An indicator is a means to measure an outcome to gauge performance. Indicators can be qualitative (describe attributes, attitudes, opinions or observations) or quantitative (composed of a number, percentage or unit that describes how much or how often).

Indigenous peoples

Individuals who identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis.

Integrated Youth Service (IYS)

A model of care targeting youth aged 12-25, typically in the community setting, where services (for example, mental health care, primary care, peer support social and educational supports), are developed and designed with input from youth and families, and are delivered in an integrated, stepped-care model.

Official language minority communities (OLMCs)

French-speaking people outside Quebec or English-speaking people in Quebec.

Outcomes

What you are trying to achieve, the results, think transformation.

Outputs

What you produce, the deliverables, think nouns.

People experiencing homelessness

Homelessness is the situation of an individual or family who does not have a permanent address or residence; the living situation of an individual or family who does not have stable, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means and ability of acquiring it.

It is often the result of what are known as systemic or societal barriers, including a lack of affordable and appropriate housing, the individual/household's financial, mental, cognitive, behavioral or physical challenges, or racism and discrimination.

People with disabilities

Disability is a complex phenomenon, reflecting an interaction between features of a person's body and mind and features of the society in which they live. A disability can occur at any time in a person's life; some people are born with a disability, while others develop a disability later in life. It can be permanent, temporary or episodic. Disability can steadily worsen, remain the same, or improve. It can be very mild to very severe. It can be the cause, as well as the result, of disease, illness, injury, or substance abuse.

Provincial/Territorial health system

Provincial and territorial health systems are the organizational and legislative frameworks through which each provincial and territorial government plan, manage, fund, and deliver healthcare services and public health programs. This includes a range of services such as primary care, hospitals, mental health and substance use services, and public health initiatives, to meet the health needs of their respective populations within their jurisdictions.

Racialized groups

Individuals grouped as a result of racialization. Racialization is the process through which groups come to be socially constructed as races, based on characteristics such as ethnicity, language, economics, religion, culture, and politics.

Remote

Permanent communities or long-term (5 years or more) settlements with at least 10 dwellings that does not have year-round road access.

Rural

Communities with a population of fewer than 5,000 people and a population density of fewer than 400 people per square kilometre.

Transgender

A person whose gender identity does not align with the sex that they were assigned at birth.

Two-spirit persons

Umbrella term for some Indigenous people who identify as having both a female and male spirit within them or whose gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation or spiritual identity is not limited by the binary classification of gender as woman or man.

Urban and rural Indigenous youth

First Nations youth who do not live on-reserve, Inuit youth who do not live in Inuit Nunangat and Métis youth. Note that this may include First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth living in rural areas.

Women

All people who identify as women, whether they are cisgender or transgender women.

Youth

The term 'youth' typically refers to those in the stage of life from early adolescence to adulthood. Among many mental health service providers who target supports for youth, this is typically between the ages of 12-25. Exact age ranges to define youth varies across sectors, programs, surveys, and youth-related initiatives. For the purpose of the Youth Mental Health Fund (YMHF), age range will align with existing program structures and funding. For example, the National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Program, which is funded by Indigenous Services Canada, defines youth as aged 10 to 30 years. Funding for Indigenous youth will align with this approach.

Footnotes

Footnote 1

A model of care primarily targeting youth aged 12-25, typically in the community setting, where services (for example, mental health care, primary care, peer support social and educational supports), are developed and designed with input from youth and families, and are delivered in an integrated, stepped-care model.

Return to footnote 1 referrer

Footnote 2

Underserved areas typically refer to regions or communities where there is a significant gap between the mental health needs of the population and the availability or quality of mental health services.

Return to footnote 2 referrer

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