Expanding Mental Health Care to More Youth in Alberta

Strategic Insights -

Today, Health Canada announced a $10 million investment through the Youth Mental Health Fund (YMHF) to expand Integrated Youth Services (IYS) in Alberta, making it easier for young people and their families to find the help they need. This investment builds on Canada's largest investment in youth mental health, the YMHF, which has provided $500 million in funding over five years. The expansion will strengthen existing services and introduce new ones, including peer programs, virtual supports, and enhanced connections between local hubs, provincial and territorial networks, and community organizations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Health Canada is investing $10 million to expand Integrated Youth Services (IYS) in Alberta, making mental health care more accessible to young people and their families.
  • The expansion will introduce new services, including peer programs, virtual supports, and enhanced connections between local hubs, provincial and territorial networks, and community organizations.
  • The Youth Mental Health Fund (YMHF) has provided $500 million in funding over five years, making it Canada's largest investment in youth mental health.
  • Agreements to scale and spread IYS Networks have been signed in six jurisdictions, including Alberta.
  • Kickstand offers free virtual and in-person access to integrated health and social services for young people aged 11-25 years old and their families and caregivers.
  • The IYS model is internationally recognized and has helped youth and families get timely support, without long waits or referral delays, in 115 hubs across Canada, with about 50 more in development.
  • Minister of Health Marjorie Michel states that supporting young Canadians today means building a Canada strong for generations to come.
  • The Honourable Rick Wilson, Alberta Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, emphasizes Kickstand's youth-centred approach, helping young Albertans get fast, accessible support for mental health and wellbeing.

Statistics:

  • $10,000,000: the amount of investment from Health Canada to expand Integrated Youth Services (IYS) in Alberta.
  • $500,000,000: the total funding provided by the Youth Mental Health Fund (YMHF) over five years.
  • 6: the number of jurisdictions with agreements to scale and spread IYS Networks.
  • 115: the number of IYS hubs across Canada, with about 50 more in development.
  • 11-25: the age range of young people who can access free virtual and in-person integrated health and social services through Kickstand.

Sources:

  • Health Canada. "Expanding Mental Health Care to More Youth in Alberta." October 16, 2025, .