People living in northern communities experiencing substantial economic growth will benefit from increased health, mental health, and social services through new projects funded by the Northern Healthy Communities Fund.
The Canadian Mental Health Association branch in Prince George is receiving $82,000 for its Peer Support Expansion for Northern BC.
In addition, Carrier Sekani Family Services was awarded 300-grand that will be put towards a healing and treatment centre.
“People in northern B.C. know their communities best, which is why we provided $150 million over the past two years for local governments’ infrastructure priorities,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs.
“Now we’re partnering with the Northern Development Initiative Trust to help First Nations, local governments and service organizations meet the needs of families in fast-growing communities. Our government is supporting the building blocks of healthy, sustainable, and resilient communities by boosting the services people count on, like child care, health, mental health and addictions counselling, and small business recruitment.”
This first round of funding delivers more than $2 million for 16 projects in communities with new and expanded local services. Projects focus on increasing access to mental health care and addictions counseling, expanding a variety of services provided by local and First Nations governments, along with upgrades to child care and supportive housing facilities.
The Northern Healthy Communities Fund is a partnership between the Province and the Northern Development Initiative Trust.
“People in northern B.C. need access to quality mental health and addictions care close to home,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Working with our partners, people in northern communities will now benefit from more services to better support them along their wellness journey.”
The fund is providing $25 million to eligible local governments, First Nations, and non-profit organizations in growing communities near the LNG Canada and Coastal Gaslink projects.
For a full list of projects, click here.