Ontario plans to spend $12.4 million on additional mental health and addictions support for front line health care workers. Associate Minister for Mental Health Michael Tibollo says these workers have supported Ontarians thru the pandemic.

“Mental health is health, and when you think of the people that are providing the support and services in the province of Ontario we can’t forget that they are human beings, exposed to very difficult circumstances especially during COVID-19,”said Minister Tibollo.

The government is working with five hospitals, the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Ontario Psychological Association.

These new measures are in response to recommendations from the long-term care COVID commission report about staff mental health.

4.6-million will be used for workplace mental health training and 1.9-million is allocated for the services of psychologists specializing in trauma, anxiety and other conditions.