It has been abundantly shown that employment conditions, education and social circumstances have an impact on mental health. That is clear. That is why the approach to mental health of the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, developed with the first nations, is a comprehensive approach. Through it we attempt to cover all of these factors. We work with the communities, identify risk factors, and determine a service offer that aligns with all of that.
We cannot expect to solve mental health issues by only responding to crises or by deploying teams at certain given times. Services have to be available on an ongoing basis, and basic issues have to be dealt with. Housing, the level of available services in the communities, and education are essential factors if we are to achieve concrete results in improving mental health.
Specific, one-time interventions with mental health professionals will not bring about in-depth change in the communities. That is why Budget 2016 investments in the construction of new housing are an essential element. Indeed, when 15 or 20 family members live in the same swelling, additional problems will arise.
Investing in education is also extremely important. I think it is the responsibility of the Department of Health to work with the communities to ensure that mental health services are available. To obtain concrete results Canada-wide, it is crucial that we invest in the social determinants of health.