The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) and Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences have initiated a nationwide demonstration project to enhance support for individuals with schizophrenia.  

The project aims to advance schizophrenia treatment, while strengthening the care delivery and outcomes for people living with schizophrenia.  

As part of this effort, selected health-care sites will be provided with tailored resources and support to broaden the execution of Ontario Health’s Schizophrenia Quality Standards over 18 months. 

The project will be conducted across four demonstration sites in Canada. 

These sites are Adult Forensic Mental Health Services in Manitoba; Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services in Newfoundland and Labrador; Seven Oaks Tertiary Mental Health Facility in British Columbia and Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare and Canadian Mental Health Association in Windsor-Essex County, Ontario. 

All these sites will be equipped with the necessary tools, education, and training to implement the Standards, considering the unique regional, cultural, and organisational requirements. 

The Schizophrenia Quality Standards, developed by Ontario Health and guided by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, have been adapted to fit the Canadian context and local conditions.  

These Standards comprise a set of 11 statements for Schizophrenia Care for Adults in Hospitals and 15 statements for Schizophrenia Care in the Community for Adults. 

Mental Health Commission of Canada president and CEO Michel Rodrigue said: “This project provides an opportunity to ensure equitable access to the highest standards of care for people living with schizophrenia in Canada.  

“The Mental Health Commission of Canada is pleased to work with our partners on this milestone. The co-creation of a national toolkit to expand these Quality Standards across the country will reduce the variability in care for people living with schizophrenia.”  

The MHCC is at the forefront of developing and distributing innovative programmes and tools to promote the mental health and wellness of Canadians.  

With a special mandate from the Government of Canada, the MHCC assists in the implementation of effective public policy across federal, provincial, and territorial governments, as well as various organisations. 

The project aims to advance schizophrenia treatment in Canada.