The governments of Canada and Ontario are allocating more than $7 million through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to provide two multi-year health initiatives that are specialized to support those in the agriculture sector.
The two initiatives are:
- The Guardians Network (details TBA)
- Farmer Wellness Program – pioneered by mental health specialist Deborah Vanberkel
These initiatives are developed in consultation with the Canadian Mental Health Association – Ontario, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and other mental health sector experts.
The farming community has demonstrated great strength and resilience throughout the pandemic. Lisa Thompson from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs explains that she “understand(s) and appreciate(s) how stressful running a farm can be, working 365 days a year and dealing with unpredictable weather, commodity prices and increasing costs of production.”
“Add in the pandemic, and these pressures are having a real effect on the mental health of farmers and their families. That’s why our government is providing the necessary funding for these programs and is committed to doing everything we can to help address these challenges and support mental health in our farming communities,” adds Thompson.
A telehealth line recently launched to provide farm families across Ontario with free mental wellness support. Through the Farmer Wellness initiative, up to four counseling sessions with a mental health professional will be available for all farmers across Ontario, including members of their family.
Accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, in English and French, farmers can call 1-866-267-6255 to speak to a counsellor.