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Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Canada faces $1 trillion challenge with youth mental health crisis, study shows

By
Isaac Lamoureux
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Source: Pexels

An estimated 1.6 million children and youth struggle with mental health disorders in Canada, with alarmingly long waits for treatment—sometimes up to 2.5 years—reveals a new report. 

The report released Thursday by Children’s Healthcare Canada and the Conference Board of Canada, “Nurturing Minds for Secure Futures,” shows that the most common reasons that children and youth need access to mental healthcare services and support are anxiety and depression. 

Response and support by families, healthcare, and community-based health services for children and youth with anxiety and/or depression cost Canada $4 billion a year. 

The $4 billion price tag is primarily towards $3.5 billion for publicly funded systems like healthcare, mental healthcare, and substance abuse and addiction.

If Canada invests in mental healthcare services and supports to reduce the prevalence rate of anxiety and depression disorders to pre-pandemic levels, the costs would decrease from $4 billion to $1.5 billion per year, claims the research. 

“There are very real financial costs to the system itself, but also to families,” Emily Gruenwoldt, president and CEO of Children’s Healthcare Canada, told the Globe and Mail.

Without timely investments, the lifetime cost of just one cohort of children with the onset of anxiety and/or depression at the age of 10 is close to $1 trillion, according to the research.

The researchers argue that investments in children’s mental health today, focusing on accessible and inclusive programming for vulnerable populations, could save $28 billion annually. 

“We’re certainly seeing a growing number of children and youth that are suffering,” said Gruenwoldt. 

The report underscores the sharp decline in the number of young people reporting good mental health over the past 20 years, a situation exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2003, 76% of people aged 15-30 reported having excellent or very good mental health. By 2019, that rate had dropped to 60%. 

“More recently, these rates have worsened, in part related to the Covid-19 pandemic and the vast social change experienced by children and youth during their important developmental years,” said the research. 

In 2020, 23% of hospitalizations among Canadian children and youth aged 5-24 were for a mental health disorder. Since the pandemic, admissions for eating disorders, self-harm, anxiety, and substance abuse have doubled in Canada. 

The findings reference evidence from Ontario, showing 28,000 children and youth waited an average of 67 days for counselling and therapy and 92 days for intensive treatment in 2020. The 28,000 young people are double the amount from 2017. In some cases, wait times for intensive treatment stretched to 2.5 years.

However, the report shows that the issue is compounded even further by the estimated 200,000 Ontario children with serious mental health issues without access to service. Treatment programs are non-existent in many rural, remote, and Northern communities. 

Nurturing Minds for Secure Futures makes four key recommendations. 

The report recommends developing a pan-Canadian child health strategy with a focus on mental healthcare, investing in evidence-based mental healthcare programs tailored for children, especially vulnerable groups. It also stresses the need to enhance the skills of mental health professionals specializing in child and youth care. It calls for creating a national data strategy to track and improve child and youth mental health outcomes across Canada.

The study’s findings point to a profound need for a systematic overhaul of Canada’s current mental health care approach. It emphasizes the importance of early identification and timely intervention in preventing more severe mental health disorders from persisting into adulthood.

Coal companies sue Alberta for $10 billion over environmental policy changes

By
Quinn Patrick
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Source: Unsplash

The province of Alberta is being sued by five coal companies for $10.8 billion due to the government’s policy reforms on coal.

The companies claim the reforms have cost them billions in lost potential revenues and investments they made to mine the land they had already leased. 

News of the lawsuit has led the provincial government and the Alberta Energy Regulator to be questioned as to why an Australian company was able to apply for exploration licenses regarding a potential coal mine at Grassy Mountain, in southern Alberta, in the first place. 

In 2021, applications for the same site had previously been rejected by a joint federal-provincial regulatory panel. 

The Northback Holdings Corp. also submitted an application recently, which is still under review by the regulator. Environmentalists are demanding the government do more for environmental protections.

The five plaintiffs filed separate claims to Alberta’s Court of King’s Bench. 

They have been made by Cabin Ridge Project Ltd., Atrum Coal Ltd. and its subsidiary Elan Coal Ltd., Black Eagle Mining Corp. and Montem Resources Ltd. (recently rebranded as Evolve Power Ltd).

The case is scheduled to begin in early 2024. 

All five companies were in the process of acquiring mines for metallurgical coal, used to make steel. 

In 2020, the provincial government ended Alberta’s 1976 Coal Policy, which protected certain ecosystems and watersheds that flank the Rocky Mountains from open-pit coal mining. 

However, due to a large public outcry, they reinstated the policy the following year.

During the policy’s reinstatement, the government decided to stop additional exploration on a large swath of land, deemed too ecologically fragile. The decision terminated a number of leases that were signed for potential new mines. A committee was also formed to consult with Albertans regarding what new coal mining rules would be made.

In 2022, Sonya Savage, who was serving as energy minister at the time, implemented an order declaring an indefinite moratorium on coal exploration.  

The companies in question claim that those decisions dismantled the Alberta coal mining landscape which had already, “established regulatory guidance, land-use planning, and representatives of Alberta’s government all allowed and in fact encouraged exploration in support of coal development.”

Additionally, Atrum, and Black Eagle claim that they have had company representatives working alongside provincial officials since 2019, regarding policy matters. They claim that those officials had encouraged them to invest in Alberta with their proposed projects, without ever telling them that policy changes were in the works.

The companies allege that they had spent millions of dollars under the previous rules so that they could develop their projects but that these projects have now left them with land they cannot use and millions spent out of pocket. They claim that it’s up to Alberta to compensate them for their losses. 

Alberta Energy Minister Brian Jean, told the Globe and Mail that the government is “committed to protecting the areas Albertans cherish, while allowing responsible resource development where appropriate,” but declined to comment further on the lawsuit. 

The Alberta Roundup | Smith calls Guilbeault “awful” and “dangerous”

By
Rachel Parker
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This week on the Alberta Roundup with Rachel Emmanuel, Rachel has Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s latest complaints about federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault. Smith called Guilbeault “awful” and “dangerous” to federation, and asked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to immediately replace the Environment minister.

Also on the show, the Alberta government is making changes to reporting collisions which will take effect on January 1.

Finally, Rachel talks about faculty at the University of Alberta who removed Christmas trees after a student asked to display a menorah.

Tune into the Alberta Roundup now!

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LAWTON: Trudeau’s feminist foreign policy doesn’t apply to Hamas

By
Andrew Lawton
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After two months of silence, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly has finally condemned the acts of sexual violence committed by Hamas against Israeli women and girls during the October 7th attacks. Toronto Sun columnist Brian Lilley joined True North’s Andrew Lawton to explain why Joly’s reluctance to defend Israeli women is in direct contradiction to the principles of Justin Trudeau’s proclaimed feminist foreign policy.

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Quebec rejects Ottawa’s ceasefire call in Gaza, citing Hamas’ terrorist actions

By
Isaac Lamoureux
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Source: Facebook

The Quebec government is refusing to get behind Ottawa’s call for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza. 

This decision highlights a growing rift in Canadian domestic politics regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“Hamas, a terrorist movement recognized by several states, including Canada, must surrender its weapons. In addition, the hostages must be released before a ceasefire can be considered,” wrote Quebec Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, Martine Biron, according to Le Devoir.

Quebec maintains a different perspective in contrast with the federal government’s viewpoint, which was recently demonstrated through its vote in favour of a UN resolution for a ceasefire. 

Canada also recently signed a joint statement with New Zealand and Australia calling for a “sustainable ceasefire”, as reported by True North. The countries did condemn Hamas’ treatment of hostages and called for their immediate and unconditional release. 

However, Quebec’s stance is not just about opposition to Ottawa’s policy but also reflects concern for civilians. 

“Quebec remains concerned about the safety and well-being of all civilians in both Israel and the Gaza Strip. This war has created enormous suffering since the attack initiated by Hamas on October 7,” wrote Biron’s press secretary, Catherine Boucher. 

Quebec’s stipulations for a ceasefire echo the sentiments of Liberal MP Anthony Housefather. Earlier this week, he voiced his opposition to the UN’s decision.

This contrast in views is further mirrored in the differing positions within Quebec’s political landscape. 

The Quebec Liberal Party calls for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” and “calls for the release of the hostages.” Québec solidaire and the Parti québécois advocated for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza. 

In contrast, the Coalition Avenir Québec’s refusal to support such a motion has sparked notable controversy.

Québec Solidaire member of the national assembly Haroun Bouazzi expressed his dismay at this refusal after the Legault government refused to support a motion calling for a ceasefire. 

 “It’s a disgrace,” he said repeatedly before breaking down in tears. 

Canadians paying highest disposable income to debt ratio since 1990

By
Quinn Patrick
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Source: Pexels

The bulk of Canadians’ disposable income is going directly towards paying off their debts, according to a new report released by Statistics Canada on Wednesday.

The abrupt end to almost zero interest rates era has put many households in a financial bind, making for the highest debt service ratio on record since 1990.

The proportion of disposable income going to debt payments has risen to 15.22% in the third quarter, up from 15.08% in the second quarter.

The average Canadian household is now spending about 15 cents of every dollar (after tax) to service their debt. 

That’s 5 cents more than the average household in the U.S., which is paying a debt ratio of 10%.

Economists are predicting that the debt ratio will only worsen with time, as many homeowners who have to renew their mortgages will have to do so at even higher rates. 

“The main take-away is that we’re starting to see those debt service costs already pressuring household finances,” Bank of Montreal economist Shelly Kaushik told the Globe and Mail. “But we haven’t felt the full effect of those higher rates just yet.”

Debt levels in Canada have dramatically skyrocketed since the early 2000’s, in part due to the once rock-bottom interest rates that were designed to stimulate the economy following the 2008 recession and then again after the pandemic. 

Canada’s housing crisis at one time only seemed to affect southern Ontario and B.C.’s Lower Mainland, however today it’s a problem throughout the country. 

Canadians who wish to become homeowners may now do so only by agreeing to ever increasing mortgage debts.

The Bank of Canada raised its policy rate to 5% from 0.25% at the beginning of 2022, which forced Canadians to contend with the fastest tightening of monetary policy in decades.

Total mortgage interest payments have now shot up by 90%, when compared to the first quarter of 2022, according to the Statistics Canada report. 

At the same time, the amount of mortgage principal paid has fallen by 16.8%.

The average Canadian is now devoting 9.26% of their disposable income to interest payments, more than any other year dating back to 1990.

This has led to a slowdown in Canadians borrowing money, during these times of high interest rates. 

However, between 2024 and 2026, it’s estimated that Canadian mortgages are set to renew for a total amount of around $900 billion. 

That amount of money could lead to those in debt being struck with “payment shock,” depending on how interest rates are controlled over the next several years.

On a more positive note, the majority of economists believe that the Bank of Canada is done raising interest rates for the time being and that they will begin to reduce them at some point in mid-2024.

“The last decade or so of near-zero rates was historically an anomaly,” said Kaushik. “You would expect to see households still feeling that payment shock, even if the [mortgage] rates that they’re renewed at are lower than what we’re seeing today.”

Liberals propose path to permanent residency for illegal immigrants

By
Isaac Lamoureux
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The Liberals are set to introduce a program granting legal residency to hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants who’ve been living and working in Canada for years.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller outlined a “broad and comprehensive program,” which would allow many illegal immigrants to apply for permanent residency, in an interview with the Globe and Mail. 

The program would also aim to regularize the status of individuals who have overstayed their visas, such as those who came as temporary workers or international students and never left when their visas expired. 

Miller acknowledged the divisive nature of the policy, but said this just means there is a need for a “greater conversation as a country.”

“The conversation on regularizing people that are here, and by my estimation – my belief – should be Canadian, is not one that’s unanimous in the country,” he said. “We have to have a greater conversation as a country about that.” 

Recent polling showed that 67% of Canadians believe that the country’s current immigration target of admitting 500,000 new permanent residents each year is too high. The proposed plan comes amidst growing public scrutiny over immigration rates and their impact on Canadian society, including housing affordability and job market dynamics. 

Miller’s proposal, expected to be presented to the cabinet in the spring, seeks to address the situation of an estimated 300,000 to 600,000 illegal immigrants already in Canada. Many of these people have been in Canada for years, forming families and contributing to the workforce, Miller argued. However, these individuals risk deportation because they are here illegally.

“These are people that are already here, already contributing and have kids,” Miller said.

Miller explained that initiating a path to citizenship specifically for illegal construction workers could effectively act as a pilot for the broader program he intends to propose to the cabinet. He acknowledged, however, the potential grievances of immigrants who entered Canada through legal channels, who might perceive this as an unfair advantage for those they consider having “got a pass.”

Amidst concerns of an overburdened system and public backlash, the policy aims to leverage the skills of illegal immigrant workers, particularly in sectors like construction and healthcare.

Miller said plans for a program that will be launched shortly, designed to permit construction workers currently residing in Canada without legal status to apply for residency. This initiative aims to mitigate the shortage of skilled workers in the Canadian homebuilding sector.

Miller indicated that additional reforms are in the pipeline for Canada’s immigration system to enhance its credibility. These reforms will include modifications to the programs for temporary foreign workers and international students.

Amid concerns over exploitation, the minister also discussed recent reforms affecting international students. Last week, the government doubled the financial requirements for study permits, potentially reducing the number of students arriving in Canada. 

Miller expressed concerns about the abuse in this sector, highlighting the widespread nature of fraud, such as where students had entered Canada with forged college acceptance letters.

“It occurs in source countries; it occurs in Canada. And it’s one where it’s gone unchecked for way too long,” he stated.

Miller suggested that not all illegal individuals would qualify for permanent residency applications, particularly those who have recently arrived in Canada. He emphasized the need to balance the integrity of Canada’s immigration system with the realities on the ground.

The Candice Malcolm Show | Is Elon Musk really spreading “misinformation” about Canada?

By
Candice Malcolm
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Source: Flickr

The Toronto Star recently published an article claiming that Elon Musk is spreading “misinformation” by saying that Canada doesn’t protect Freedom of Speech.

At the same time, the CBC released a smear campaign against Musk accusing him of hate speech and encouraging more censorship on his platform.

So which one is it, legacy media? Does Canada support free speech or does it support censorship. You can’t have it both ways.

Today on Fake News Friday, Candice exposes the Toronto Star for a fake smear against Musk and a CBC “fraudulent attack” against Musk that is dressed up as “investigative journalism.”

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Senate passes contentious handgun ban Bill C-21 without amendments

By
Quinn Patrick
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The Liberals’ controversial Bill C-21, which cements a handgun ban and expands authority to seize firearms from licensed gun owners believed to pose a risk to others, passed in the Senate on Thursday without changes and is now set to become law.

The gun control legislation was introduced by the Trudeau government and passed the House of Commons in May. It solidifies the Liberals’ previous Canada-wide “freeze” on the purchase, sale or transfer of handguns. 

The bill was heavily debated in the House for some time before a version of it made it to the Senate, which had been dramatically expanded from what the Trudeau government had initially tabled the year before. 

Bill C-21 includes plans to make stricter gun laws to include “red flag” and “yellow flag” provisions about gun owners who may pose a risk to themselves or others. 

Other changes that will affect gun owners under the new legislation will be a prospective Criminal Code “technical definition” of what constitutes a prohibited assault-style firearm so that a permanent ban on future models will be cemented into law once the bill comes into effect. 

A series of other provisions are included to make the purchase of ghost guns illegal as well to reduce gun smuggling.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre argued that the legislation goes after law-abiding gun owners, while then-public safety minister Marc Mendicino said the Liberals were prepared to go further “than any government in the history of this country” in pursuit of gun control.

Firearms advocates say they are “deeply disappointed” by the bill.

“The most egregious part of this deeply flawed bill is the position police will be put in upon the death of every legal handgun owner. Imagine attending the homes of grieving widows and children to confiscate and destroy property that meant a lot to the people who owned them, and who’ve done nothing to warrant this,” said a statement from the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights. “If only this much effort and vigor was applied to the misuse of illicit guns by violent, repeat offenders.” 

The CCFR said the Liberals are focused on the “wrong target.”

After the bill passed to the Senate, many gun rights advocates wondered if amendments would be made to the legislation prior to it being potentially passed. 

It remained in the Senate for six months to be analyzed by the Senate National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs Committee, which heard from 66 witnesses.

However, ultimately, it passed without a single amendment.  

Some senators did submit several observations regarding the bill, like how the government should address concerns around implementing a nationwide database to collect data on all gun-related injuries and death, as well as having further consultations with sport shooters.

Conservative senators said that the reason that no amendments could be made to Bill C-21 was because of pushback from the “government majority,” noting that it will be incumbent upon a future government to correct the “serious errors” that are contained within such an “extremely divisive bill.”

“Today really is a historic day,” reads a statement from members of the Coalition for Gun Control in response to the legislation being granted royal assent “unscathed,” according to CTV News. 

“The game-changing bill reflects more than thirty years of advocacy… to make Canadians safer from gun violence. The legislation responds to the concerns of experts, community groups and Canadians from coast to coast, and proposes measured but effective solutions,” it continued.

The legislation is expected to receive royal assent on Friday, prior to the holiday break for the House of Commons and the Senate.

Bill C-21 passed by a vote of 60 to 24.

The Daily Brief | Christian Heritage Month motion shut down

By
William McBeath
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A motion to recognize the month of December as “Christian Heritage Month” was shut down in the House of Commons this week.

Plus, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called Trudeau’s environment minister Steven Guilbeault a “national embarrassment” after his visit to the COP28.

And Statistics Canada excludes assisted suicide from its death totals, despite it being the sixth highest cause.

Tune into The Daily Brief with William McBeath and Noah Jarvis!

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