WATCH: Discussing the Federal Response to COVID-19 with Mental Health Experts

On June 3, 2020, Senator Ratna Omidvar asked witnesses testifying before the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology about the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Click here for more information about the Senate of Canada’s Social Affairs Committee and its study of COVID-19

In this clip, Senator Omidvar asks Dr. Patrick McGrath, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Strongest Families Institute, to grade the federal government’s response to the pandemic through the lens of mental health and families.

In this clip, Senator Omidvar asks Dr. Vicky Stergiopoulos, Physician-in-Chief of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), what the best way is to deal with the mental health conditions of marginalized communities and how the government can support these initiatives.

In this clip, Senator Omidvar asks Dr. Stergiopoulos if the federal government should develop national standards and a framework for the provision of mental health services to marginalized communities across the country.

In this clip, Senator Omidvar asks Emily Gruenwoldt, President and CEO of Children’s Healthcare Canada, if, from a mental health perspective, it is recommended that children be able to return to school or camp.

In this clip, Senator Omidvar asks Emily Gruenwoldt, President and CEO of Children’s Healthcare Canada, Sara L. Austin, Founder and CEO of Children First Canada, and Katherine Hay, President and CEO of Kids Help Phone, if their organizations have experienced a drop in charitable donations since the COVID-19 crisis started and, if the answer is yes, to what extent government support has enabled them to continue with their work.

In this clip, Sara L. Austin, Founder and CEO of Children First Canada, calls for a stabilization fund for the charitable sector.