WHEREAS problematic drug use is a persistent and serious issue that local governments across British Columbia must continue to address; AND WHEREAS responsibility for the implementation of mental health and addiction services lies with regional health authorities; AND WHEREAS provincial mental health and addictions policy advocates partnerships with local governments: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities request that the provincial government, through the Ministry of Health, articulate a provincial Mental Health Plan and an Addictions Treatment Plan that addresses regional needs, outlines best practice in treatment interventions, addresses the need for expanded treatment capacity, particularly in the area of youth treatment and acknowledges local governments as key partners in the development and implementation of the treatment plan.
Ministry of Health The Ministry of Health Ministry is committed to continue moving forward to provide the best supports possible for people facing mental health and addiction challenges. Each year, the Ministry provides over 1 billion a year for mental health and addictions support an increase of 20 per cent over the 2001 budget. The Province of British Columbia Province has also fully funded the 125 million Mental Health Plan as well as 138 million in capital funding for mental health facilities that are now open or under construction in a number of communities, including Terrace, Smithers, Fort St. John, Prince George, Kamloops and Coquitlam. Since 2001, the Ministry has expanded mental health and addictions services to include illnesses with the greatest burden of disease, including depression and anxiety disorders. To recognize the strong link between mental illness and addictions, mental health and addictions planning and service delivery have been integrated. Prevention and treatment resources for children and youth have also been given a high priority. In 200506, the Ministry provided health authorities with an additional 6 million to develop more youth-specific addictions treatment services, and 2 million to develop targeted services for crystal meth users and their families. The Ministry of Children and Family Development has implemented the first Child and Youth Mental Health Plan in Canada. In 2004, the Ministry of Health released a provincial planning framework. This is being used by health authorities and their partners to direct the development of a collaborative model of response that involves partnerships across all levels of government and sectors, including municipal governments, to ensure a full range of services are available at the local level. Health authorities are developing an evidence-based range of mental health and addictions services that are based on best practices, and includes health promotion, prevention, harm reduction, early identification, treatment, long-term rehabilitation and recovery and reintegration within their regions.