Make Mental Health Care a Priority in British Columbia and Our Communities
Make Mental Health Care a Priority in British Columbia and Our Communities
The Issue
Mental health is a public health crisis in British Columbia. Thousands of people struggle without timely access to care, putting families, schools, and communities under strain. What is missed today will only multiply tenfold in the next 10–15 years, just as gaps from 10–20 years ago continue to impact us now. We cannot wait any longer.
As someone who lost her sister to mental health struggles in 1990, and now working in it, I have seen the system evolve since I first entered it in 1991 as a 12-year-old patient. While the mental health system has changed over the decades, far too often all that occurs is acknowledgement by government officials that something needs to be done. The time to act is now.
We call on the Government of British Columbia and municipal leaders to take immediate action to make mental health care accessible, equitable, trauma-informed, and a top priority across the province. Mental health services must be front-facing and trauma-informed to truly address the needs of people and treat the root causes of their struggles.
Note: Once this petition reaches 10,000 signatures, it will be formally submitted to multiple levels of government to amplify this call to action and ensure decision-makers hear the urgent need for change.
We Urge the Government to:
- Increase funding for mental health services so that everyone can access timely counselling, therapy, and support.
- Support municipalities in building local mental health programs, clinics, and prevention initiatives.
- Invest in the mental health workforce, including training, hiring, and retaining counsellors, therapists, and support staff.
- Implement prevention, early intervention, and trauma-informed programs for children, youth, and adults to reduce long-term suffering.
- Integrate mental health care across health, education, and social services to provide coordinated, effective, and trauma-informed support.
Why This Matters:
Thousands of British Columbians struggle every day with mental illness, anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction. Local communities are under-resourced, and waitlists prevent many people from receiving the care they need.
Investing in mental health now—especially through trauma-informed, front-facing care—reduces hospitalizations, supports families, and strengthens communities—for today and for future generations.
1
The Issue
Mental health is a public health crisis in British Columbia. Thousands of people struggle without timely access to care, putting families, schools, and communities under strain. What is missed today will only multiply tenfold in the next 10–15 years, just as gaps from 10–20 years ago continue to impact us now. We cannot wait any longer.
As someone who lost her sister to mental health struggles in 1990, and now working in it, I have seen the system evolve since I first entered it in 1991 as a 12-year-old patient. While the mental health system has changed over the decades, far too often all that occurs is acknowledgement by government officials that something needs to be done. The time to act is now.
We call on the Government of British Columbia and municipal leaders to take immediate action to make mental health care accessible, equitable, trauma-informed, and a top priority across the province. Mental health services must be front-facing and trauma-informed to truly address the needs of people and treat the root causes of their struggles.
Note: Once this petition reaches 10,000 signatures, it will be formally submitted to multiple levels of government to amplify this call to action and ensure decision-makers hear the urgent need for change.
We Urge the Government to:
- Increase funding for mental health services so that everyone can access timely counselling, therapy, and support.
- Support municipalities in building local mental health programs, clinics, and prevention initiatives.
- Invest in the mental health workforce, including training, hiring, and retaining counsellors, therapists, and support staff.
- Implement prevention, early intervention, and trauma-informed programs for children, youth, and adults to reduce long-term suffering.
- Integrate mental health care across health, education, and social services to provide coordinated, effective, and trauma-informed support.
Why This Matters:
Thousands of British Columbians struggle every day with mental illness, anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction. Local communities are under-resourced, and waitlists prevent many people from receiving the care they need.
Investing in mental health now—especially through trauma-informed, front-facing care—reduces hospitalizations, supports families, and strengthens communities—for today and for future generations.
1
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on February 12, 2026