REGINA – The Saskatchewan NDP, if elected, would expand mental health care and make it more accessible.
The opposition also added they would provide free mental health treatments for children and youth.
“Mental health care is health care, plain and simple. We need to treat it that way,” said NDP Leader Cam Broten.
“My plan will make Saskatchewan a leader in mental health care. We’ll start with providing insured coverage for children and youth, because that’s a significant first step to putting mental health care on par with other health care services.”
READ MORE: Party leaders make more promises as election campaign nears
Below are some of the pledges that the Sask NDP plan regarding mental health:
Covering mental health care as an insured service for children and youth, for up to eight counseling sessions per year – a move called for by the founding chair of Canada’s Mental Health Commission.
Reducing waits for mental health care appointments by creating two provincial mental health specialty clinics.
Using the already-promised Quick Care clinics in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Moose Jaw to increase availability of mental health assessments.
Hiring more mental health workers to be based in northern Saskatchewan.
Expanding the Hub program to northern communities, to better connect at-risk individuals and families with the supports they need.
Expanding a pilot program in which mental health and crisis intervention professionals are partnered with police officers.
Covering post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through Workers’ Compensation, a policy change called for by many, including professional firefighters.
Broten added the was inspired to do better while spending time in La Loche after the tragic shooting in January.
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