Quebec psychiatrists call for a dedicated mental health minister

MONTREAL — Quebec psychiatrists are calling on the province’s next government to appoint a dedicated minister of mental health.

The president of the province’s psychiatrists’ association says a minister of mental health would coordinate action across different levels of government and help ensure the issue remains a priority beyond a single election cycle.

During a press conference at Montreal homeless resource Mission Old Brewery, Claire Gamache proposed six measures that she said are needed to help prevent homelessness and suicide.

In addition to the dedicated cabinet position, she is calling for expanding alternatives to hospitalization, better support for health-care workers and improved access to mental health care through telemedicine.