Kourtney Penner

Yes

Kourtney confirmed the current Mental Health Strategy assistance is provided by community partners (non-profits) with program funding provided by Family and Community Support Services (FCSS). Kourtney suggested re-evaluation of the matrix of applications, to prioritize equity-seeking groups, could be a way to improve the system. Kourtney would continue her advocacy to the province for indexing of FCSS funding. (FCSS is a joint municipal/provincial funding program to provide social services.) She would also like additional gathering places to be identified for the provision of wrap-around services e.g. mosques, Vivo Recreation Centre, etc.

Rob Ward

Survey Response:

Yes

Mental health is a critical issue that affects families and communities across Calgary. However, the City’s primary responsibility is to provide core municipal services like roads, snow clearing, waste management, and protective services. One of the reasons property taxes keep rising is because City Hall continually steps into areas, like health care, that are properly the responsibility of the Province. • That said, I recognize the City does have a role in being a strong partner. For example, City Council can: • Support community-based organizations already delivering preventative programs. • Advocate to the Province to ensure Calgary gets its fair share of resources for mental health services. Provide facilities, connections, and logistical support to help local groups reach more people. As a Councillor, my focus would be on ensuring taxpayer dollars aren’t used to duplicate provincial programs but instead on building effective partnerships where the City can add value. If your group has a draft strategy, I’d encourage sharing it with the Minister responsible for mental health, and I would be open to reviewing it to see where City Hall could play a supportive—not duplicative—role.

Alex William

Yes

Alex mentioned the importance of cultural diversity. There are diverse groups in Calgary, those of Indigenous, European, and other cultural heritages. Alex identified the need for relationship building and communication with the province. He said we can nott just walk past someone on the street without helping, even if the province can't. Alex talked about making sure the city has spaces that enable the building of community and promoting connections. An example he shared was that of seniors who are isolated and thus face mental health issues. Alex is interested in learning about what CACG wants and understanding our priorities. Follow-up question: How will you deal with the province "getting in your lane?". ( the example of Minister Dreeshen saying Calgary should not be investing in bike lanes) Alex indicated it was important to build strong relationships with the province. He mentioned that Kourtney Penner has stated some Provincial Ministers are very good to work with. Alex stressed finding common ground with the province. He suggested framing an issue with respect to fiscal responsibility could work, as both the City and the Province agree on this point. As an example, Alex shared that the cost of 3 constructing one km of a roadway is equal to the cost of building 10 km of a bike lane.