"mental health"

The Commission reviewed its 2026 work plan, which focuses on homelessness, social development, food insecurity, affordable housing, and mental health. The plan emphasizes an integrated approach to social issues and will be recommended to the City Council for adoption. Members discussed the importance of cross-sector collaboration and the potential for future social pricing initiatives.

This item is a formal proclamation by the city to recognize March 13 as the National Day for the Promotion of Positive Mental Health.

Council unanimously proclaimed March 13 as the National Day for the Promotion of Positive Mental Health for the duration of its electoral mandate.

A presentation was given on the 'Aire Ouverte' service, which provides support for youth aged 12-25 regarding physical and mental health, sexual health, and addiction. The commission discussed the role of youth committees and the challenges of youth involvement.

The City is restructuring the Police Service by abolishing a clerk position and creating a new administrative clerk position and an Inspector position for Mental Health and Homelessness. It is also reassigning several existing crisis intervention positions under the new Inspector's authority.

Council approved several organizational changes in the Police Department, including the abolition of a central file clerk position, the creation of an administrative clerk position, and the creation of a new inspector position for mental health and homelessness. Several crisis intervention unit positions were also realigned under this new inspector.

Partners shared updates on various initiatives, including free transit for students, a positive reception to a video on homelessness, and improvements in mental health service access in the Outaouais region.

The City is formalizing an agreement with the provincial government to receive funding for a multi-year project. This project focuses on improving police responses to mental health and homelessness issues in Gatineau through concerted practices.

Partners held a roundtable discussion. The chair announced plans to propose the proclamation of March 13 as the National Day for the Promotion of Positive Mental Health at the February 18, 2025, city council meeting.

The commission reviewed the increasing number of police interventions related to mental health, which are projected to reach 3,904 in 2024. The discussion focused on the role of the specialized UNIC team, the challenges of balancing law enforcement with medical needs, and the importance of inter-agency collaboration with the CISSSO.

The committee will receive a presentation on how public safety services handle mental health crises. This discussion is important for understanding how the city coordinates with health services to support residents in distress.