September 19, 2023
The Honourable Sylvia Jones,
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health for Ontario
Dear Minister Jones,
Today, I am writing to you on behalf of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) with an urgent request to increase support for the mental health and well-being of students in Toronto and across Ontario.
On September 11, 2023, the Toronto Board of Health released an updated version of its Addressing Pandemic Health Impacts on Children and Youth. This report provides recent evidence and information about the health and well-being of school-aged children and youth, outlines measures taken to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on students and youth and offers recommendations to further support the efforts of Toronto Public Health.
The Board of Health outlines challenges which include mental health and well-being, physical inactivity coupled with increased screen time, and overdue student immunizations and dental screenings following the COVID-19 pandemic.
One area in urgent need of attention is student mental health, as existing support systems within schools are not adequate for those requiring significant supports. In light of this, the report recommends that the City of Toronto’s Board of Health advocate to the provincial government for increased support to enhance further mental health care and support for students.
The backlog in mental health and psychoeducational assessments is a matter of great concern for the TDSB. Currently, many students are waiting for extended periods to access these critical assessments, which are essential for identifying and addressing their specific needs. This delay can have severe consequences on students’ academic, emotional, and social development. As we are all aware, early intervention is crucial in mitigating the long-term effects of mental health challenges and learning disabilities.
While we are grateful for the recent funding allocation of half a million dollars to help address our mental health assessment backlog, the scope of our current backlog following the pandemic is overwhelming. The demand for mental health assessments has surged in recent years, and unfortunately, the allocated resources are not sufficient to fully address the crisis.
I believe that it is crucial for the Ministry of Health to collaborate with the Ministry of Education and local school boards to address this matter promptly and effectively.
By working together, we can make a significant difference in our students’ lives through creating a more responsive and effective support system for their mental health needs. This will not only benefit the individual students but also contribute to the overall well-being of our wider communities.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue. I look forward to your response and welcome the opportunity to discuss the matter further with you at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Rachel Chernos Lin
Chair
Toronto District School Board
Response received on December 14, 2024, from the Ministry of Education, explaining that no additional funding has been granted. The letter also outlined the investments made by the government over the past five years in the areas of Mental Health and Well-Being.