Pubdate: Wed, 29 Mar 2017
Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB)
Copyright: 2017 The Edmonton Journal
Website: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134
Author: Edrick Andrews
Page: A8

SPEND ALBERTA'S POT REVENUE ON MENTAL HEALTH

The system is underfunded, argues Edrick Andrews.

It's been over a year since MLA Dr. David Swann submitted his report -
Valuing Mental Health - to Health Minister Sarah Hoffman, with 32
recommendations for her consideration. While the government has
delivered on some of these recommendations, the mental health system
remains in serious crisis.

So what is the problem? Acute underfunding. A scary situation since
one in five Albertans will suffer from mental illness in their
lifetime, and one in 10 individuals over the age of 15 will grapple
with drug or alcohol addiction.

Although the government's 2017 budget includes a funding increase from
$49 million to $80.5 million for services related to addictions and
mental health, much of the increase is intended to address the
province's growing opioid crisis. This is a far cry from what is
needed to tackle early intervention and treatment, prevention in
youth, and research on addiction and mental health.

Another concern is the disproportionate number of aboriginal youth
with mental health and drug addiction problems. This population has
special needs that require consideration for their cultural,
traditional, and historical circumstances. The Aboriginal Mental
Framework acknowledges that a service and knowledge gap exists in the
model of mental health care provided to aboriginal peoples. It
identifies the need for a considerable increase in funding to address
the dire needs of this population.

In its recent report, the Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and
Regulation was very clear in its recommendations to the government. It
stated that revenues from cannabis should be used as a source of
funding for education and research with an emphasis on youth and
vulnerable populations. The report adds that government should also
commit funding for prevention and education for addiction and mental
health in their jurisdictions.

The Canadian government has announced its intention to introduce
legislation this spring to legalize cannabis. As the sale of cannabis
becomes legal across Canada, the federal and provincial governments
are expected to generate many millions of dollars. One news report
indicates revenues as high as $959 million in 2018, depending on tax
rates and consumption of the drug. According to the same report,
Canada projects that 4.6 million Canadians will consume cannabis in
the first year of legalization. This number is expected to increase to
5.2 million by 2021.

In Colorado, marijuana was legalized in 2012. In the 2015 fiscal year,
taxation on the drug generated a higher revenue than the alcohol tax
(almost $69 million versus $42 million, respectively). The revenue
generated from marijuana was required to be spent on health care,
health education, substance-abuse prevention and treatment programs,
and law enforcement. A change in law is required in order to spend the
revenue elsewhere.

In Washington, retail sales of marijuana began in July 2014. Tax
revenue generated from sales of the drug is distributed in two areas:
40 per cent of the revenue is allocated for a general state and local
fund budget while 60 per cent of the revenue is intended for substance
abuse prevention, research, education and health care.

Estimated revenues for Alberta are not yet available, but if the
projection for all of Canada is close, Alberta may see a handsome
proportion of that amount in its coffers. This funding bonanza can go
a long way toward the Notley government's obligation to address the
province's mental health and addiction problems. We propose that 100
per cent of revenues from cannabis be allocated to funding prevention
of addiction and mental disorders in youth; early intervention and
treatment programs; and research on addiction and mental health.

Albertans' health should be protected now. The Notley government must
stop underfunding mental health care.

(Edrick Andrews is a member of Student Advocates for Public Health 
(SAPH). SAPH is a team of graduate students enrolled in the advocacy 
course (SPH 523) at the School of Public Health, University of Alberta. 
The team's mission is to advocate for public policies that support 
health promotion, protection, and prevention for all Albertans.)
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MAP posted-by: Matt