Solve the Crisis: Support of the Ontario Big City Mayors Call for Action to Address the Growing Mental Health, Addictions and Homelessness Crisis - by Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, seconded by Mayor Olivia Chow

While the province has provided additional funding for mental health, addictions and homelessness programs, it does not adequately address the growing crisis and the financial and social impact on municipalities and regions across the province. Municipalities and regions are stepping up and working with community partners to put in place community-specific solutions to address this crisis, but municipalities and regions lack the expertise, capacity, or resources to address these increasingly complex health care and housing issues alone. This is primarily a health issue that falls under provincial jurisdiction and municipalities and regions should not be using the property tax base to fund these programs. There is no provincial lead focused on this crisis leading to unanswered questions that span over a dozen ministries, and a lack of support to manage the increasing needs of those who are unhoused. The 'Solve the Crisis' Campaign can be found here: https://solvethecrisis.ca/

make homelessness a health priority; and c. appoint a responsible Minister and Ministry with the appropriate funding and powers as a single point of contact to address the full spectrum of housing needs as well as mental health, addictions and wrap around supports. 3. City Council request the Government of Ontario strike a task force that: a. includes broad sector representatives including municipalities, regions, healthcare, first responders, community services, the business community and the tourism industry; b. reviews current programs developed by municipalities, regions and community partners that have proven successful in our communities, to ensure that solutions can be implemented quickly and effectively to tackle this crisis; and c. develops a Made in Ontario Action Plan. 4. City Council request the Government of Ontario to provide adequate and sustainable funding to ensure that municipalities have the tools and resources to support individuals suffering with mental health and addictions, including unhoused people and those from vulnerable populations that may be disproportionately impacted. 5. City Council request the Government of Ontario to invest in 24/7 community hubs and crisis centres. 6. City Council encourage the residents of the City of Toronto to join Council in appealing to the provincial government for support by visiting SolveTheCrisis.ca and showing their support by sending a letter to relevant ministers and their local provincial representative. 7. City Council forward this item for information to: a. The Premier of Ontario; b. The Ontario Deputy Premier and Minister of Health; c. The Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; d. The Ontario Minister of Children, Community and Social Services; e. The Ontario Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions; f. Toronto Members of Provincial Parliament; and g. Ontario's Big City Mayors.