Mental Health and Addictions Submission and Automated Camera-Based Enforcement Guidance Released

An Integrated Approach to Mental Health and Addictions

AMO has submitted An Integrated Approach to Mental Health and Addictions to the Ministry of Health. Issues of mental health and addictions consistently top the list of concerns expressed by AMO members – in particular, the lack of an integrated and comprehensive provincial-municipal response to mental health in terms of community services, supports, prevention and equitable access. Many municipal governments have stepped in to fill the gap where provincial services are lacking at the community level; however, more provincial funding, engagement, and service connections can help facilitate a more integrated approach. Addressing mental health and addictions through a whole of government response is essential to the health and economic development of our communities.

The 15 recommendations to the provincial government in this submission offer a starting point for this work. The recommendations were developed with input from AMO’s Health Task Force and approved by AMO’s Board of Directors. The submission has been reviewed by and incorporates input from the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario (CMHA – Ontario) and the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC). Conversations with municipal service managers responsible for the administration of human service programs have also informed this timely document.

Automated Camera-Based Enforcement

As municipalities face challenges with higher driving speeds and road safety in their communities, AMO has heard great interest in more support for municipalities who are interested in developing their own effective camera-based enforcement programs. The Ministry of Transportation has now released guidance on how to implement an Administrative Penalty program which is subject to the rules and procedures included in the Highway Traffic Act and its regulations.