Loyalist students skeptical about proposed mental-health changes by Liberals

By Cali Doran

BELLEVILLE – Big changes are proposed to mental-health services following the provincial budget on June 7.

Premier Kathleen Wynne made a pledge last Wednesday that if they were re-elected, they would spend $2.1 billion over the next four years to rebuild Ontario’s mental-health system.

Wynne’s plan is to support youth access to therapy and counselling, allowing 12,000 more people to use the services in 2018-19, and growing that number to 46,000 in 2021-22.

Kerry Donnell, communications officer with the Hastings Prince Edward County District School Board, said the proposal is a step in the right direction.

“Living with mental illness can be difficult for the individual, their loved ones and others in their lives. Initiatives and supports to assist people living with mental illness will make a difference,” said Donnell.

If this change is seen through she said that the school board will work with community partners who have expertise in mental health.

Sarah Newman, a student in the Social Service Worker program at Loyalist College, said she is skeptical about the intentions of the proposal.

“It won’t happen. If she actually cared about mental health, she wouldn’t have waited until right before the election,” said Newman.

Hayley Reid a biotechnology student at Loyalist College, said she struggled with mental illness in the form of depression.

“I wanted to get better, but I did not have the tools to do so,” Reid said.

“I think the proposal would help a lot of youth who are not being provided with that help …I hope that others can get the help they need to save their life or make their life a more positive and enjoyable experience,” Reid said.

Business Administration student Spencer Berry has high hopes for Wynne’s plans.

“It’s a good decision by Wynne to invest in the youth and upcoming generation. A lot of her platform has benefited young people,” said Berry. “As for this investment, I believe it is an investment in the future of our province, let us just hope it comes to life, and is not just a political ploy for votes.”

During her pledge Wynne said that every high school in the province will get an additional mental-health worker within two years, requiring about 400 new positions. There will also be psychotherapy for as many as 350,000 people suffering from mild to moderate anxiety or depression.