• Resources
• Government Reference Sources

This section has been provided as a reference guide for those who are interested in knowing more about mental illness and other disabilities that affect Canadians. We have also included agencies that provide services to persons suffering from these illnesses and disabilities.

Resources

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario Division

CMHA Ontario Division, is a provincially incorporated, non-profit, registered charity. Their goal is to act as the primary source of information about mental health, mental illness and public policy in Ontario. To find out more about the CMHA, their policies and advocacy, you may access the link provided.

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SSC)

SSC is a voluntary organization dedicated to providing support and resources to individuals with schizophrenia and to their family members. The organization also engages in advocacy efforts and in the promotion and support of research.

The Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office

The Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office provides independent and confidential advocacy services and rights advice to consumers of and those seeking access to psychiatric services. The Office works to empower clients to make informed decisions about their care, treatment, and legal rights. Information, education, negotiation, and referral are used to conduct instructed, non-instructed, and systemic advocacy. The Office conducts public education on these issues to promote self-advocacy and self-determination.

The Canadian Psychiatric Association

The Canadian Psychiatric Association is the national voluntary professional association for psychiatrists. The CPA focuses on advancing the quality of mental health care for Canadians through the promotion and development of excellence in psychiatric clinical practice, education, training, and research as well as by supporting the provincial psychiatric associations in improving the environment in which psychiatrists practice. This site includes information on professional development, public education and advocacy, mental illness awareness campaigns, new resources, publications and membership information.

Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs (OFCMHAP)

This site contains current news about legislative initiatives, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care information, public policy, as well as addiction news and resources for non-profit organizations.

Royal Ottawa Health Care Group

Providing specialty mental health care in Eastern Ontario. Within this group you will find links to the Royal Ottawa Hospital, the Brockville Psychiatric Hospital, and the Institute of Mental Health Research.

Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) of Ontario

A charitable, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth and adults with learning disabilities. The site includes information about LDAs across Canada, a resource directory of services for people with learning disabilities and information about the Learning and Employment Assessment Profile (LEAP), which helps individuals with learning disabilities become more effective at finding and keeping jobs.

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

CAMH is an organization that provides information on mental health, substance abuse, addictions and research services. Their site also contains information on career counseling and employment support services for people with mental health problems.

The Ontario Council of Alternative Businesses

OCAB is a provincial organization that assists in the development of economic opportunities for people who have been through the mental health system. This is an association of businesses that currently employ more than 600 psychiatric survivors in various initiatives across Ontario.

Ottawa Salus

Salus offers rehabilitation services, community support services, recreology and housing for men and women 16 years of age and older, suffering from mental health problems. Salus offers its services in both French and English.

Housing Again

This is a resource site related to affordable housing in Ontario and in Canada. Included is a regular, moderated e-bulletin that provides up-to-date information on housing issues with a focus on Ontario communities. You will also find a ‘Housing Who's Who’ directory of those playing an active role in public and private housing in Ontario. The site contains an on-line library of documents and resources useful for understanding housing issues in Ontario and throughout Canada.

Government Reference Sources

Canadian Health Network (CHN)

A branch of Health Canada, the Canadian Health Network is a national, bilingual, Internet-based health information service. Through CHN, the Canadian public and health care providers can find excellent resources from health information providers across Canada. The focus is on major health topics and population groups. There are more than 10,000 Internet-based resources on the CHN site.

Disability Web Links

This site acts as a portal to Canadian federal, provincial and territorial government programs and related services for persons with disabilities. This site provides information on a variety of topics that affect the disabled including health issues, accessibility, education, employment, financial and personal supports, housing and residential supports, rights, tax programs and transportation.

Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada

The official Commission web site contains thorough and up-to-date information on the Commission’s activities, reports and press releases. Guidelines to the Commission's consultations are also provided. The site also contains a variety of helpful external references including links to other stakeholders.

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

ODSP is intended to meet the unique needs of people with disabilities and help them to become more independent. The ODSP program is made up of two parts: Employment Supports provides people with disabilities the supports they need to get and keep jobs; and Income Support, which provides financial assistance to people with disabilities. Information on ODSP may also be accessed through the Ministry of Community, Family and Children’s Services on the Government of Ontario web site.

Making It Happen

‘Making It Happen’ is the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's implementation plan for mental health reform. It provides the framework for a comprehensive, responsive mental health service delivery system throughout Ontario. You may use the link provided or access this initiative through the Ontario Government’s web site.