Mental-health experts in Quebec are urging political parties to make mental health a central issue in the province's upcoming election campaign [1].
The push for a dedicated policy focus comes as professionals warn that the province is facing a growing mental-health crisis [1]. Experts said that the current approach is insufficient and requires coordinated political leadership that extends beyond the traditional health-care system [2].
Among those leading the call are several psychiatrists and the president of the province's psychiatrists' association [1]. The group is specifically calling for the appointment of a dedicated mental-health minister to oversee the crisis [2]. This role would provide a direct line of accountability, and a centralized strategy for mental health services across Quebec [2].
The appeal was made public on Aug. 5, 2026, as parties begin preparing for the provincial election later this year [1]. The experts said that mental health must move from the periphery of political platforms to a primary concern for candidates [1].
By establishing a dedicated ministry, the experts said the province could better integrate social services, and medical care to support citizens [2]. The current structure often fragments care, making it difficult for patients to navigate the system during acute crises [1].
“Experts are urging Quebec's political parties to make mental health a central issue in the upcoming election campaign.”
The demand for a dedicated mental-health minister signals a shift in how medical professionals view the intersection of healthcare and governance. By pushing for a specific cabinet position, experts are arguing that mental health is no longer a subset of general medicine but a distinct public policy challenge that requires its own budget, legislative authority, and administrative focus to resolve systemic failures.
