MALARTIC, QC, July 24,
2024 /CNW/ - Lionel Carmant, Quebec Minister Responsible for Social
Services was in Abitibi along with the Government of Canada, France-Élaine Duranceau, Quebec Minister Responsible for Housing, and
Pierre Dufour, Member of the National Assembly for
Abitibi–Est, to officially open a new mental health resource for
the people in the area.
Operated by the organization Besoin d'aide 24/7, the new
crisis intervention and shelter centre is the first of its kind in
the region and will provide support and assistance, 24-7, to all
people in distress or experiencing a social crisis. The facility
has nine bedrooms, four of which are designated for people in
crisis, and will provide several services, including the
following:
- Support and assistance
- Psychosocial interventions
- Short-term post-shelter follow-up
- Referrals according to individual needs
This initiative, costing a total of more than $3 million, was made possible thanks in part to a
contribution of over $1.1 million
from the Government of Quebec, an
additional sum of $328,000 to be
provided annually for mental health support services and
$980,000 from the federal government,
through the second Canada-Quebec Rapid Housing Initiative
Agreement.
This new resource will improve access to mental health services
and temporary housing, and provide better support for people
needing rapid psychosocial intervention. By doing so, it will help
individuals reintegrate into their community and prevent suicides,
while reducing the number of hospitalizations in the region.
Quotes:
"I'm proud to officially open this new crisis centre, which is
an important part of the interdepartmental mental health action
plan to deploy community crisis centres. It's been a highly
anticipated project in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region, meeting a
real need in the community given the sharp increase in demand for
mental health services in recent years. The centre will improve
access to 24-7 psychosocial intervention in the person's own
community and to temporary housing to reduce hospitalizations.
On-site services will be provided by a single team, in a single
location, 24-7."
Lionel Carmant, Quebec
Minister Responsible for Social Services
"The federal government will continue to work hard toward
ensuring that everyone in Quebec
and across Canada has a safe and
stable place to call home. We're quickly providing new affordable
housing to those who need it most across the country, thanks the
second Canada-Quebec Rapid Housing Initiative Agreement and
collaboration from all levels of government."
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing,
Infrastructure and Communities
"The construction model chosen for this project is more
reminiscent of a house or hotel than a hospital treatment centre.
It demonstrates our government's commitment to offering an adapted,
modern space for people who need respite to recover better. This
facility will provide homes for people who desperately need a new
start in life, in a setting that helps them get back on their feet.
I'm proud of our government's contribution, and I applaud the
participation of our partners in this joint initiative."
France-Élaine Duranceau,
Quebec Minister Responsible for
Housing
"This crisis centre has been eagerly awaited in our region due
to the high demand for mental health support services. We're
already receiving a number of requests, showing that the community
wants to continue finding solutions to better support those who
need it. I'd like to thank all the partners and the various levels
of government for joining forces to support this wonderful
initiative, one that's particularly close to my heart."
Pierre Dufour, Member of the National
Assembly for Abitibi-Est, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister
of Economy, Innovation and Energy (regional economic development
stream)
"The inauguration of this centre for the residents of the
Abitibi-Témiscamingue in need of mental health services is a big
step. This new intervention centre will provide essential support
to those going through difficult times, by providing them with a
safe environment and services meeting their needs. Today, access to
mental health care in the region is greatly improved, and
hospitalizations are reduced. Congratulations!"
Jean Boulet, Minister of
Labour and Minister Responsible for the Mauricie Region, the
Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region and the Nord-du-Québec Region
Highlights:
- The crisis centre originated from the 2022–2026
interdepartmental mental health action plan (PAISM) – S'unir pour
un mieux-être collectif (in French).
- This initiative has been made possible thanks to a $10 million contribution over five years from the
Government of Quebec to three
regions that have identified gaps in crisis shelter services:
Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Estrie and Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
- The Abitibi-Témiscamingue region has seen a significant
increase in the number of annual visits to the psychiatric
emergency department in recent years.
- Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de
l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue (CISSSAT) will act as a partner and
collaborator with its primary community partners to ensure
complementarity, service continuity, creativity and transparency,
as well as mutual respect, an egalitarian relationship and
recognition of each other's skills and responsibilities.
SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)