Five more Saskatchewan high schools will receive mental health programming this fall as part of the province’s expanded Mental Health Capacity Building (MHCB) initiative.
Education Minister Everett Hindley and Mental Health and Addictions Minister Lori Carr announced the expansion Tuesday, naming Bedford Road Collegiate in Saskatoon, Rossignol High School in Île-à-la-Crosse, Martensville High School, Holy Rosary High School in Lloydminster and Swift Current Composite High School as the new additions.
The MHCB program will now be active in 24 schools across 19 school divisions.
"The Mental Health Capacity Building program is helping young people learn how to manage their emotions, anxiety and increase awareness of mental health and where they can find additional support," said Hindley. "We are pleased to expand this program to reach more students and school communities across Saskatchewan."
First introduced as a pilot in 2019, the program focuses on mental health promotion and early intervention by embedding mental health professionals within schools. School divisions receiving MHCB funding are responsible for delivering services and helping students connect with community supports.
"We know that early interventions and access to support is important for students and families who are experiencing mental health concerns," Carr said. "Expanding the Mental Health Capacity Building program delivers on our commitment under the province's Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions."
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The Ministry of Education, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Health Authority, oversees implementation. This year’s provincial budget includes an additional $1.6 million for the MHCB program, bringing the total to $4.6 million.
Saskatoon Public Schools’ Superintendent of Education Colleen Norris welcomed the program’s arrival at Bedford Road Collegiate.
"By embedding mental health supports directly into our schools, we have the ability to create a culture where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive—not just academically, but emotionally and socially as well," Norris said.
Sharon Hoffman, director of education in Île-à-la-Crosse, said the initiative is particularly important for her northern community.
"Building capacity for mental health in our staff and students is critical in our community as we have high rates of mental health issues,” she said. “Our hope is this initiative will provide the knowledge, skills and supports for our students to grow into healthy young adults.”
The Government of Saskatchewan has committed to expanding the MHCB program to all 27 school divisions by 2028.