Hon. Katherine Hay: Senator Moreau, youth mental health in Canada remains a crisis. Canada has the fourth-highest youth suicide rate in the industrialized world. One in five young people will experience a mental health issue. In my experience, I believe it’s more than one. Indigenous youth are many times more likely to die by suicide than non-Indigenous youth.

Given that this week marks Mental Health Awareness Week, it is worth asking for an update on the 2025 $500-million Youth Mental Health Fund supporting three pillars: integrated youth services, community capacity building and Indigenous mental health wellness. The call for proposals closed 15 months ago with perhaps 30% of the fund committed.

Can you provide clarity on what has been allocated and spent under these three pillars? When will the remaining funds be dispersed to build and support the capacity youth in Canada need today?

Hon. Pierre Moreau (Government Representative in the Senate): Yes, on the subject of Integrated Youth Services, the United Way of Winnipeg received approximately $10 million to open two additional Huddle youth hubs and expand direct-to-youth services. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto received $10 million to expand Integrated Youth Services. Choices for Youth in Newfoundland received $10 million to support access to mental health services for children, youth and young families.

With regard to community capacity building, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health received $4.4 million. Kickstand in Alberta received $10 million to expand its network by five new hubs. Foundry BC and other youth services received approximately $10 million.

Finally, with respect to Indigenous mental health wellness, it is important to know that $4 billion has been invested outside the Youth Mental Health Fund to support Indigenous-led mental health programs that incorporate culturally safe health services, including help lines, substance use —

The Hon. the Speaker: Thank you, Senator Moreau.