As part of Ontario’s budget process, Pine River Institute is joining sector leaders in calling for increased funding to support youth mental health, retain frontline staff and expand critical services.
Each year, the Ontario government reviews its budget and holds consultations to determine funding priorities. As part of this process, we participated in an in-person consultation in Barrie on Jan. 15 and have submitted a formal written submission to the Ministry of Finance.
Our message is clear: community-based mental health and addiction agencies—especially those supporting youth—need urgent investment. Unlike most other parts of the healthcare, education and child welfare system, our sector does not receive regular funding increases. This wage gap makes it difficult to retain staff, jeopardizing access to essential services at a time when demand is rising.
We are not alone in this call for action. Pine River works closely with Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO), which collaborates with organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) Together, we are urging the government to act now:
- Close the wage gap – Invest $300 million annually over three years to ensure fair wages and staff retention.
- Increase funding – Provide a seven per cent funding boost this year and sustained increases to keep up with demand.
- Expand live-in youth treatment – Allocate $1.3 million annually to reduce wait times and improve access to care.
You can read our full submission below: