John Garden: Yes John would like to see more effort to develop sustainable community associations/facilities so that people of all ages would have access to recreational opportunities and be able access a variety of services, including mental health support, closer to where they live.

Candy Lam: No Community-based, preventative mental health strategies should begin with a “listening” approach, especially when developing programs that meet the language and cultural realities of a diverse population. Candy believes the City does not yet know the mental health needs of the city’s different demographic groups. Candy believes the City must prioritize a deep understanding of the unique mental health needs across Calgary’s diverse communities to ensure the strategy is responsive and effective.

Jennifer Wyness: Yes: Cllr Wyness has served on the Calgary Police Commission since 2022. She says that City departments, including police and transit workers, often find themselves on the front lines of the mental health crisis. She argues that municipal governments need help if the City is to be part of an effort to deliver long-term preventative mental health strategies. As a City Councilor, she advocates for the Province to develop a new centralized approach to the delivery of mental health support. A mental health hospital would support mental health care, regardless of the level of crisis. In addition to in-patient care, this facility could offer a range of out-patient services, including some that are specific to gender and culture.

Trevor Cavanaugh: Yes - Mental health affects every family and neighbourhood in Calgary. I support strengthening community-based prevention and awareness efforts, especially when done in partnership with organizations already doing great work on the ground. I would like to ensure City support complements, not duplicates provincial health services, and that programs reflect the diversity of our communities.