Federal government commits $6 million to mental health and addiction support for Black Canadians

The federal government committed over $6 million to mental health and addiction support for Black communities, directing funds through two key initiatives: the Substance Use and Addictions Program and the Supporting Community Mental Health Crisis Response Initiative. Both are part of Canada's Black Justice Strategy, a 10-year federal initiative launched in 2025 to address systemic anti-Black racism and discrimination in the criminal justice system.

The strategy developed following consultations with Black communities and includes recommendations to address overrepresentation of Black people in the justice system, improve policing and accountability, and strengthen support for people in courts, corrections, and reintegration. But the scope extends beyond criminal justice: barriers to housing, employment, education, and health care compound the disparities.

The funding will support community organizations providing culturally appropriate support. The Substance Use and Addictions Program is directing funding to 9 organizations across Toronto, Winnipeg, Windsor-Essex, Nova Scotia, and the Northwest Territories. Named recipients include the Black Health Education Collaborative, Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network, and East African Community Resource Centre. Their approaches include peer mentorship, community education, and hip-hop therapy.

The Supporting Community Mental Health Crisis Response Initiative is backing 4 projects focused on culturally safe mental health crisis care and reducing reliance on police-led responses. The University of Toronto is working with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to develop tools and training for culturally sensitive, anti-racist support to Black people in crisis.

Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, said: "Black Canadians face significant barriers to accessing mental health services and support. With this funding and by working alongside Black community organizations, we will reduce barriers and help increase culturally appropriate mental health resources for Black Canadians."

But advocates say the money isn't enough. Christopher Evelyn and the Canadian Labour Congress both stressed that community organizations need predictable, long-term funding rather than one- or two-year cycles. A sustained federal investment is essential to addressing systemic inequities and improving access to culturally appropriate services.