Access to Mental Health Care: Liberals will make NB the benchmark for access in the country

For immediate release

Fredericton, Thursday, September 25, 2024 – A Holt government will take concrete action to ensure mental health care is accessible when and where people need it. To do this, the Liberal Leader and her team are committed to reducing wait times for mental health care in New Brunswick to below the national average. 

“We will transform mental health care in New Brunswick by creating a system that is accessible, compassionate, and supportive when people need it. No one should have to seek mental health care in emergency rooms, and no student should go without this essential resource in our schools,” said Susan Holt, Leader of the New Brunswick Liberal Party. 

Team-based community care clinics, a tentpole of the Holt healthcare plan, will provide a healthcare home for those seeking mental health services. A Holt government commits to including mental health professionals as part of these clinics. 

Higgs promised a youth treatment centre for the Moncton area, but construction has been delayed by almost two years. New Brunswick families are desperate for action when it comes to youth mental health support. A Holt government will put the utmost priority on this facility and get it built. 

In addition, a government led by Susan Holt will invest in community-based approaches to service delivery, increase the number of residency positions for psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, and develop a retention and training plan for mental health professionals, particularly those working in schools.

“Unlike Blaine Higgs, who has allowed the health care system to collapse and has abandoned those trying to cope with mental health — our team will build a strong mental health workforce and care system to ensure everyone who seeks help can find it when they need it,” says Holt. “We are focused on New Brunswickers and all of their health care needs. Our community care clinics, our measures to recruit and retain nurses and doctors, our mental health plan – these are all designed to ensure that our healthcare system is serving New Brunswickers.”

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Media Contact:

Pascale Paulin
Press Secretary
media@nbliberal.ca
(506) 866-3420