Mental health care is at the forefront of the provincial NDP election platform.
Leader, Andrea Horwath, announced that the NDP want Ontario residents to have access to universal, publicly funded mental health care.
The platform outlined that there would be access to six therapy sessions through OHIP, and expended to 12 sessions to those who need it.
It was also outlined that the provincial party wants to reduce the waitlist for kids getting mental help assistance. The plan would require an estimated $130 million dollars over three years to build treatment and consultation services for children on the extensive waitlist.
Meanwhile, Ontario Liberal leader Steven Del Duca has also expanded his election platform.
He’s proposing a needs-based autism program that would include Applied Behavioural Analysis, occupational therapy, mental health and speech and language pathology.
Del Duca also wants to hire upwards of five thousand more special education workers to help in reducing wait times for students with autism for school services, as well introduce direct billing for covered autism programs.
At the end of March, the Liberal leader also outlined other platforms for the June election that included upping minimum wage to $16/hr, implementing a portable drug, dental, and mental health plan for all working Ontario residents, a four day work week, as well as 10 paid sick days for all Ontario workers.
Election day is June 2nd.