Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford/CKDR Files
Mental health and addiction services available to youth in northwestern Ontario are being expanded.
The province will now provide annual funding of 1.5 million dollars toward two programs in Thunder Bay and create a centralized service hub for the entire northwest.
Northern Development Minister Greg Rickford says it’s going to improve service.
“What this means in practice is better services to those who need them, shorter waiting times and most importantly more a defined path forward toward a life with positive outcomes,” states Rickford.
He adds these mental health services are critical for the northwest.
“We have the highest rate of self-harm and suicide amongst children and youth. Another unwanted distinction is the heartbreaking fact that indigenous children die at rates five to six times that of non-indigenous youth.
The province says the expanded service will help support about 18-hundred people yearly.
