Canada is facing a silent mental health crisis that is leaving millions without the support they need. Many struggle in silence—without timely or affordable therapy/counselling, social workers, RMT, nutritionists, naturopaths and other treatments, the opportunity/support/provisions to retrain for new work, and without access to the stabilizing presence of a psychiatric or therapy dog which for many could drastically improve their quality of life, productivity and integration into society. That said, there will be those worried about being judged and stigmatized for their mental illness if they are escorted by a psychiatric support dog, because 'then everyone will know I have a mental health disability'.

As someone living with Borderline Personality Disorder, complex trauma, panic disorder and ADHD, I know what it's like to struggle in silence. 

For some, relationships may fall apart when the partner becomes aware of the mental illness, either because they may be ashamed of the stigma they may face as a result, or because it's too difficult to be with someone suffering from a mental illness. Families, marriages, relationships and friendships can breakdown because of the lack of support and understanding when it comes to some of the most debilitating such as Borderline Personality Disorder and PTSD. To support someone with a mental illness is emotionally and mentally challenging, and takes understanding and patience, so many lose their support person/s which can make one feel even more isolated, and it can be devastating and triggering. But with the right support, those suffering and struggling can begin to heal and improve their quality of life, and relationships, and the ability to succeed in the workplace. The hardest work begins with those of us who are struggling, but for us to do the work we need the right support. 

A dog can be very therapeutic, and in some cases where the symptoms are more severe and debilitating, a psychiatric assistance dog can be a tremendous support. But there is a shortage of trained dogs available because of insufficient trainers and the funding to support programs run by organizations such as Pacific Assistance Dogs (PADS) and Leash of Hope is not enough to support the need for psychiatric assistance dogs. For civilians with PTSD, this is an even bigger challenge because PADS doesn't currently have the resources and funding to provide PTSD service dogs to civilians. 

We need a national strategy that reflects the reality of mental illness in Canada.

We call on federal and provincial leaders to:
✅ Fund trauma-informed counselling services under public healthcare (MSP, OHIP, etc.)—including therapists, social workers, RMT, nutritionists, naturopaths and peer support.
✅ Expand retraining and employment programs for people with psychiatric disabilities, across industries—not just healthcare.
✅ Remove outdated asset limits on disability supports so people can build stability without losing benefits.
✅ Create national funding and training standards for psychiatric service dogs and therapy dogs, including pathways for people with lived experience to become trainers.
✅ Allow dog-friendly workplaces where service animals are permitted and accommodated.
✅ Launch public education campaigns to reduce stigma around psychiatric disabilities—especially CPTSD, BPD, ADHD, suicidality, and complex trauma.

 
Why This Matters:
Mental illness costs Canada over $50 billion a year.
50% of people with psychiatric disabilities are unemployed.
Only 7% of total health funding goes to mental health care.
For many, a psychiatric service dog can prevent self-harm, stabilize work routines, and even save lives.
 
We deserve dignity. We deserve choice. We deserve care before crisis.
Sign this petition if you believe that mental health is healthcare—and that the time for meaningful action is now.

Let’s hold our leaders accountable ahead of the next election.

🖊️ Your signature can help save lives.
📢 You do NOT have to disclose your name publicly to sign.
🤝 We’ll be submitting this petition to party leaders, provincial health ministers, and national media.

Facts:

40% of psychiatric service dog requests in Canada go unfulfilled due to lack of trainers and programs. Non-profit organizations report extensive waitlists for psychiatric service dogs due to high demand and limited resources. The training for psychiatric service dogs is intensive, and as a result, wait times are long. Very limited subsidized programs available to help cover the high costs of these service animals. 
Source: Service Dog Training School (servicedogtraining.ca)

Psychiatric service dogs can lead to a significant reduction in hospitalizations and the need for psychiatric medication and emergency care. Studies show that these dogs help in reducing suicidal tendencies and hospital stays.
Source: PubMed Central (PMC6563823)

People with serious mental illness (SMI) are 2–5x more likely to be unemployed, with rates ranging from 70% to 90%. This is much higher compared to the general population, indicating barriers to employment for this group.
Source: CMHA British Columbia (bc.cmha.ca)

Flexible accommodations, including dog-friendly workplaces and adaptive benefits, dramatically increase retention and productivity. A survey revealed that 67% of employees in pet-friendly environments report higher productivity levels.
Source: Psychology Today, Barx Parx, Hushoffice.com, Work Design Magazine (hushoffice.com)

Canada’s current disability and mental health support systems lack integrated pathways for psychiatric conditions. The mental health care system in Canada faces significant challenges in providing integrated care, often due to fragmented services, funding shortfalls, and complex interrelationships between federal and provincial programs.
Source: PubMed Central (PMC5630082)

Lived experience voices deserve platforms in shaping the future of support. It is increasingly acknowledged that individuals with lived experience of mental illness should have a platform in mental health research and service development. This ensures that mental health programs are more effective and responsive to real needs.
Source: University of Calgary, PubMed Central (PMC9346508)