On August 5, 2026, the Quebec Association of Psychiatric Physicians publicly demanded that the province appoint a minister whose sole portfolio is mental health. The association also urged political parties to place mental‑health issues at the forefront of their election platforms, arguing that a dedicated minister would give the topic the visibility and resources it needs.
The call comes as Quebec remains the only province without a separate cabinet post for mental health. Currently, mental‑health responsibilities are folded into broader health or social services ministries, a structure the association says dilutes focus and hampers coordinated action. By establishing a stand‑alone minister, the group believes the province could develop clearer strategies, improve service delivery, and respond more swiftly to emerging crises.
Representatives of the Quebec Association of Psychiatric Physicians highlighted the growing demand for mental‑health services across the province and the strain on existing health infrastructure. They noted that integrating mental‑health concerns into the electoral agenda would pressure the government to allocate sufficient funding and legislative attention.
While the association has not specified a timeline for the appointment, it emphasized that the issue should become a priority in the upcoming electoral cycle. The group’s demand aligns with broader calls from health professionals who see mental health as a critical component of overall public wellbeing.
Provincial officials have not yet responded to the request, and it remains to be seen whether the demand will shape party platforms or lead to the creation of a dedicated ministerial role. The association plans to continue lobbying for the change, underscoring the belief that a focused ministerial approach is essential for advancing mental‑health policy in Quebec.