Advocacy for Equity, Belonging, and Mental Wellness
We advocate for culturally safe systems, equitable access to care, and policies that strengthen belonging
and mental wellbeing for newcomers and multicultural communities across Canada.
Why Advocacy Is Urgent
belonging, and safety continue to grow.
23%
of people in Canada are immigrants (2021 Census)
53.7%
report excellent or very good mental health in 2024 (down from 72% in 2015)
11%
of newcomers report unmet mental health service needs (vs 4% non-newcomers)
4,882
police-reported hate crimes in 2024 — more than double since 2018
Communities at the Center of
Change
Behind every statistic are real people navigating complex systems, language barriers, discrimination, and isolation. Advocacy ensures that policy decisions reflect lived experience and community realities.
We center multicultural voices to shape systems that are equitable, culturally responsive, and grounded in belonging.
What We Advocate For
1. Culturally Safe, Linguistically Accessible Care
- Fund interpretation and cultural navigation services
- Support community-based “warm handoffs” to care
- Require culturally safe service standards and accountability measures
2. Anti-Racism in Health & Social Services
- Embed anti-racism training across systems
- Establish complaint pathways and equity audits
- Support community-led research and data collection
3. Community Belonging as Prevention
- Invest in programs reducing isolation and exclusion
- Strengthen peer networks and social connection initiatives
- Recognize belonging as a protective factor in population mental wellness
How You Can Advocate With Us
- Sign up for policy alerts and public consultations
- Join advocacy delegations (municipal, provincial, federal)
- Partner with us to co-host community forums and roundtables
- Share your lived experience (anonymous option available)
🇨🇦 Policy Context in Canada
Canada and national institutions.
1. Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy (2024–2028)
A federal action framework aimed at dismantling systemic racism and advancing racial equity across employment, health, justice, and community systems.
2. Canada’s Multiculturalism Framework
Grounded in the Canadian Multiculturalism Act (1988), this framework affirms diversity as a fundamental characteristic of Canadian society and promotes inclusion, equal participation, and respect for all cultural communities.
3. Mental Health Strategy for Canada
Developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, this strategy provides a national framework for transforming mental health systems, improving access, and reducing stigma.
4. Immigration & Newcomer Integration Programs
Programs administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) support settlement services, language training, employment access, and social integration for newcomers.
5. Equity and Justice Reform Initiatives
Led in part by the Department of Justice Canada, these initiatives address systemic discrimination within Canada’s justice system through reforms, including the Black Justice Strategy and broader human rights frameworks.
Join the Movement for Mental Health Equity
are, anti-racism in systems, and belonging as a foundation for mental wellness.