CAMH’s Strategic Plan, Vision 2020: tomorrow.today, re-affirms our commitment to advocating for public policies that are responsive to the needs of people with mental illness, including addictions. As one of the six pillars of this plan, CAMH is committed to “Driving Social Change” by communicating evidence-based public policy to stakeholders and policymakers. Our policy positions are developed in collaboration with a range of experts including scientists, clinicians, educators and people with lived experience.
What's new:
April 2019
Proposed changes to alcohol availability in Ontario: CAMH commentary
In this statement, Dr. Jürgen Rehm and Dr. Samantha Wells explain why alcohol “choice and convenience” comes at the expense of public health and safety.
February 2019
Closed Quarters - Housing and Justice paper
People with mental illness who are involved in the criminal justice system frequently experience precarious housing and/or homelessness. In Closed Quarters, CAMH along with our partners, the Wellesley Institute, John Howard Society – Ontario and Canadian Mental Health Association – Ontario look at the issues faced by people who needs intersect and overlap the housing, mental health and justice sectors in Ontario. Based on the research evidence and consultations across sectors, the report offers three recommendations to government.
December 2018
The future of Canada’s national drug strategy: Submission to Health Canada
The federal government recently conducted consultations on the future of the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy. In this submission, CAMH offers recommendations towards strengthening Canada’s approach to substance use issues.
Education in Ontario: Submission to the Ministry of Education
The Government of Ontario recently conducted consultations across the province to get input on the education curriculum for Grades 1-8. CAMH’s submission specifically addresses the health curriculum. Our recommendations focus on enhancing mental health and substance use teachings in consultation with education and child-development experts.
November 2018
Alcohol policy in Ontario: Joint statement from CAMH and OPHA
In the context of National Addictions Awareness Week, CAMH and the Ontario Public Health Association (OPHA) draw attention to the importance of evidence-informed alcohol policy and call on the Government of Ontario to develop a comprehensive alcohol strategy for the province.
October 2018
Police mental health: A Discussion paper
Mental illness is relatively widespread amongst Canadian police officers and a number of police also engage in suicidal behaviours. This discussion paper looks at the stressors that police officers experience as part of their job and as a part of a unique workplace culture. The paper examines some of the work currently being done to address police mental health and offers recommendations for moving forward on this important issue.
September 2018
Cannabis regulation in Ontario: Submission to the Ministry of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Finance
Cannabis use for non-medical (recreational) purposes will become legal on October 17. Many of the legal and regulatory parameters have already been set by the federal government; among the most important areas under provincial jurisdiction are 1) distribution, 2) places of use, and 3) public education and youth prevention. In this submission we provide recommendations in these areas, with emphasis on the retail system.
Check the directory below for a full list of documents:
