The Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health at CHEO applauds the federal government's move to establish a long overdue Canadian Mental Health Commission. In doing so, the federal government acknowledges that the effects of mental illness and mental health difficulties are far-reaching, expensive and life threatening. We need this national leadership to address the issues appropriately. The government has taken a good first step but needs to make this investment work as best it can for the long term and that means a strong commitment to children and youth.

Suicide is the second most common killer of Canadian youth and the suicide rate rapidly rises through the teen years. Most lifelong mental health difficulties begin in adolescence. The earlier they get the necessary help, the less they suffer and the more they can contribute to society. Ultimately, the cost to the health and social systems, among others, is also less.

According to Dr. Simon Davidson, Executive Director, Planning and Development, "A Canadian Mental Health Commission could go along way in improving funding for front-line services, addressing the current patchwork approach to research, and the fundamental differences in training of professionals." The opportunities for improvement abound. In the area of improving services and reducing wait times, a comprehensive human resource strategy would ensure that the work currently being done is better coordinated and in the best interest of children, youth and others.

Not only is more research essential, the current body of knowledge needs to be used to its fullest. A national knowledge exchange strategy led by the Commission would make this happen and would play a key role in making sure that every dollar invested in research gets the maximum return in the field. Dr Davidson continued, "Additional funding is required, but not to provide services in the same old way. We look forward to working with the Commission and sincerely hope that the mental health needs of children and youth will be given their due in how it is set up."

The funding allocated to the Commission in this budget falls short of the projected costs as outlined in last fall's Senate report. The vision of the Commission is a strong one and promises to make a real difference in Canadian society. We cannot afford to erode any part of the plan if it is to succeed, particularly where children and youth are concerned.

"We add our congratulations to Michael Kirby on being appointed Chair of this Commission," said Dr. Ian Manion, Executive Director of Operations. "We know that Senator Kirby understands the complexity of mental health and illness across the life span. Public and private sector organizations at all levels across this country need to be on board with the Commission to ensure that the youngest and most vulnerable are not left behind."

The Canadian Mental Health Commission would ensure the development of a meaningful national policy on mental health and mental illness as well as develop and shepherd an associated and aggressive implementation plan. We are in urgent need of this leadership. The mental health of Canadian children and youth is everybody's business - they are our future

The Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health at CHEO works to bring all those who have a role in the mental health of children and youth in Ontario to a common purpose. Building on experience and the best available evidence, the Centre promotes partnerships and stimulates evidence to advance the integration of the system to better meet existing and future needs. This involves a large spectrum of stakeholders including: youth, families and caregivers, mental health and service providers across many sectors, researchers, educators, knowledge brokers, advocates, policy makers and others.

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