Hamilton Votes 2026: Recommendations for Increased City Presence in Mental Health Supports
This page can be accessed via a short link at hamiltonvotes.ojb-bjb.ca.
Mental health is a fundamental human right.
Access to timely, affordable, and compassionate mental health care should be regarded with the same importance as access to care for physical illness or injury. As Hamilton continues to grow and evolve, so too do the mental health challenges facing our community. Rising rates of mental illness, substance use, suicide risk, and barriers to accessing care have placed increasing pressure on individuals, families, healthcare providers, and community organizations. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated leadership, sustained investment, and a renewed commitment from all levels of government and the broader community.
Hamilton is home to a resilient and compassionate population, yet many residents continue to face significant obstacles in obtaining the mental health and addictions supports they need. Evidence presented throughout this recommendation report demonstrates increasing demand for community-based services, lengthy wait times for treatment, persistent health inequities, and the growing impact of housing instability, poverty, food insecurity, and social isolation on mental well-being. These challenges disproportionately affect youth, individuals experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those living with concurrent mental health and substance use disorders.
By working together, we can build a city where every person has the opportunity to access the supports they need, recover with dignity, and thrive; and make Hamilton a leading city in our province for mental health support and care.
The following recommendations were submitted to all registered candidates for the 2026 Hamilton city elections.
Recommendations to Candidates
The following recommendations were made by Joshua to candidates who have put their name forward in the Hamilton 2026 elections. To view full reasoning, click view report above.
01
The City of Hamilton invests in cross-jurisdiction collaboration with both the federal and provincial governments to ensure the delivery of increased community-based mental health supports.
02
The City of Hamilton works more closely with its community partners and city/regional wide mental health networks, including the SPCCH, to ensure comprehensive mental health strategies, lived-experience input, and resources.
03
The City of Hamilton, in partnership with Hamilton Public Health and other community-based care organizations as needed, increase public education campaigns on mental health resources, suicide prevention resources, and knowledge about where to access these resources.
04
The City of Hamilton takes a closer look at the mental health and well-being needs of those in our city through the creation of targets for
measurable outcomes for mental health resources and supports to ensure a reduction in wait times, youth wellness hubs expansions, reducing emergency visits,
and more.
05
The City of Hamilton undertakes to expand existing programs to ensure members of our city are active and have accessible third spaces to visit friends, be outside, and be active.
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