OTTAWA, ON, May 7, 2026 /CNW/ - Today, on National Child and Youth Mental Health Day, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced $30.3 million in support of 21 projects through the Youth Mental Health Fund.

This investment will help more young people access inclusive, community-based mental health supports across Canada. This funding will enable community organizations to expand and strengthen their services through a range of initiatives, making it easier for youth to access timely and appropriate support.

These projects complement federal investments in Integrated Youth Services (IYS), which together help make mental health services easier to navigate and use across cities, towns, and rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. The projects will help address gaps in the local availability of mental health resources, including training and supports. There is a focus on delivering culturally safe services designed for the diverse needs of Canadian youth, including 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, Indigenous, Black and racialized youth, newcomers, Francophone communities, young men and boys, and those facing complex challenges like homelessness.

Two projects will support the development of Canada's first ever national clinical guidelines for problematic gambling in youth and new guidelines for the treatment of youth eating disorders – two conditions that often emerge during adolescence and young adulthood. These guidelines will help ensure more consistent, evidence-based care across the country.

Quotes

"Canada's youth are Canada's future. By funding accessible, culturally safe supports and community care, we give young people the tools to thrive, contribute, and lead Canada forward with resilience and hope."

The Honourable Marjorie Michel
Minister of Health

Quick facts

• The Youth Mental Health Fund, launched in November 2024, is Canada's largest investment in youth mental health, at $500 million in funding over five years.
• Health Canada prioritized projects that address the needs of youth experiencing health inequities.
• Community organizations are key partners in providing youth with mental health services. By being based in the communities they serve, these organizations have a deeper understanding of the needs, cultural sensitivities, and challenges local youth face.

Related links

• Youth Mental Health Fund
• Integrated Youth Services
• Message from the Minister of Health – Mental Health Week 2026

SOURCE Health Canada (HC)