Why Mental Health Still Matters — Now at the Federal Level
While this page was originally created for the Ontario provincial election, we’re keeping it live as a resource for the upcoming federal election on April 28, 2025.
The priorities haven’t changed—if anything, they’ve become even more urgent. As mental health professionals, we have a unique opportunity to ensure that mental health remains at the forefront of political dialogue at the national level.
The demand for accessible and effective mental health services continues to grow, but systemic barriers persist. The federal election offers another pivotal moment to raise awareness and advocate for changes that support the well-being of our clients, our communities, and our profession.
We encourage you to adapt these materials for your own federal advocacy—whether that’s reaching out to candidates, sharing content, or raising the visibility of mental health in this election.
This page remains open to all mental health professionals, not just OAMHP members, because building a strong, accessible mental health system benefits everyone.
Election Resources & Links
- Find your Federal Member of Parliament HERE
- Federal Elections Logistics: To find out everything about how, where, when: Elections Canada
- Party Platforms: There are 16 political parties in Canada, which we encourage you to explore. The following are the 5 main parties in Canada, represented in Parliament.
What You Can Do & Say
This election is not just about casting a vote—it’s a chance to raise awareness, spark national conversations, and advocate for meaningful change in how mental health is supported across Canada. Mental health professionals witness firsthand the gaps in care, barriers to access, and the urgent need for better integration into healthcare systems, workplaces, schools, and communities.
There are many ways to get involved: engage with federal candidates, start conversations in your community, share information on social media, or send a letter to the editor. Below, we’ve outlined specific actions you can take—along with ready-to-use scripts, talking points, and resources to help you make your voice heard.
By speaking up, you're not only helping shape federal mental health policy—you’re also ensuring that more people understand the challenges and solutions needed to build a healthier, more accessible mental health system across the country.
What Do I Do?
Action: Ways to Get Involved
There are many ways to make your voice heard during this election. Whether you want to engage directly with political candidates or raise awareness in your community, every action helps to push mental health to the forefront of the conversation. Here are some ways you can take action:
- Meet with your local candidate – Book a meeting to share your concerns and ask about their stance on mental health policies.
- Send an email or letter – Reach out to candidates, elected officials, or media outlets to highlight key issues.
- Use social media – Post about mental health priorities, tag candidates, and join the conversation online.
- Attend an all-candidates debate – Show up, ask questions, and make mental health a visible priority.
- Talk to your community – Discuss mental health issues with friends, colleagues, and neighbors to build awareness and encourage informed voting.
Messaging: Scripts & Templates
To help you take action, we’ve created a series of issue-based resources with key talking points, sample emails, and social media posts. Please note: while these materials were created for the 2025 Ontario election, the same messaging and approach largely applies. Please use these materials as inspiration and adapt in any way that is helpful!
📌 General Mental Health Policy
Thank You for Your Advocacy
OAMHP is a non-partisan organization, and we encourage neutrality when engaging with candidates or sharing posts. By focusing on issues - not parties or candidates - we can help to ensure the message stays inclusive and professional.
Together, we can ensure that mental health remains a priority during this election. Your voice matters. By engaging with candidates, amplifying key messages, and advocating for change, you are making a difference for the mental health professions and for all Ontarians who need mental health support.