Mental Health and Addictions Accord
Mental Health and Addictions Accord
The Mental Health and Addictions Accord is a shared advocacy framework and commitment to work together to improve mental health and addictions outcomes in northern and central BC, through specific principles and actions.
Overview
The signing of the Mental Health and Addictions Accord was a highlight of the Mental Health and Addictions Symposium, held on November 13 and 14, 2024 in Prince George, BC.
It celebrated the commitment of organizations and local governments to addressing mental health and addictions challenges collaboratively. The signing ceremony at the Symposium recognized the 25 initial signatories, many of whom were represented in person at the event.
Accord Signatories include:
- Symposium Co-hosts: City of Prince George, Lheidli T'enneh First Nation, North Central Local Government Association, Regional District of Fraser-Fort George,
- Indigenous Organizations and Communities: Letwilc ren Semec Esketemc Recovery House, Northern First Nations Alliance, Gingolx Village Government
- Municipalities: District of Chetwynd, City of Dawson Creek, City of Fort St John, District of Mackenzie, District of Taylor, District of Tumbler Ridge, District of Vanderhoof, City of Williams Lake, Town of Smithers, Village of Pouce Coupe, District of Houston, District of Kitimat, District of Fort St James
- Regional Districts: Cariboo Regional District, Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, Peace River Regional District, Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, North Coast Regional District, Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine
- Agencies: BC Schizophrenia Society, Drs. Farnan & O’Driscoll Inc, The POUNDS Project Society
Since the Symposium, 5 more signatories have joined (District of Fort St James, District of Kitimat, City of Quesnel, North Coast Regional District, Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine).
With this milestone, every Regional District within the NCLGA operating area has now endorsed the Accord, demonstrating a unified and region-wide commitment to improving mental health and addictions outcomes.
Purpose and Vision
The Mental Health and Addictions Accord is a joint initiative designed to address the urgent mental health and addiction challenges facing Central and Northern British Columbia. This Accord establishes a collaborative advocacy framework, bringing together local governments, First Nations, healthcare providers, service agencies and community organizations. By uniting these partners, the Accord aims to advance positive solutions to improve services and outcomes for individuals affected by mental health and addiction, as well as related intersecting issues.
The Accord is designed as a living document, providing a framework of shared principles and actions to guide meaningful improvements in mental health and addictions services across Central and Northern British Columbia. It reflects a commitment to adaptability and responsiveness, recognizing the importance of engaging diverse communities and organizations to address evolving needs.
We extend our gratitude to everyone who provided feedback on the Draft Accord in 2024. The external review period concluded on October 4, following the release of the Draft on September 25 to NCLGA member communities, First Nation band councils, mental health service providers, and key stakeholders in Central and Northern BC. Prior to the review period, collaborative workshops were held on June 28 and September 26, 2024. The feedback received has been invaluable, capturing a range of perspectives and addressing the needs of diverse agencies and communities.
Living Document
The Accord is intended to be a living document, outlining shared principles and actions to drive improvements in mental health and addictions services across Central and Northern British Columbia. Recognizing the need to continuously engage and understand the diverse needs of communities and organizations, the Accord is set for review and an update in 2025.
We look forward to further incorporating feedback and ensuring the Accord represents a broad consensus. Your continued support and input are vital to this effort, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive process that reflects the voices of all our communities.
Advocacy Meetings of Accord Signatories
NCLGA is working to support a pathway for the various agencies and local governments to advance their initiatives related to mental health and addictions, through the Accord and the Symposium.
Advocacy Meetings with signatories of the Accord were held on January 31 and April 22, 2025, with a next meeting scheduled for August 14, 2025. These meetings serve as an important opportunity for signatories to discuss shared advocacy strategies, explore collaborative actions, and align efforts to drive meaningful improvements in mental health and addictions outcomes across the region.
A survey is currently being developed to receive input on advocacy strategies in the lead up to the 2025 Mental Health and Addictions Symposium.
These efforts reflect our shared commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement in addressing mental health and addictions challenges in Central and Northern British Columbia.
Is your agency or local or First Nation government interested in endorsing the Accord?
– We invite all NCLGA members, First Nation governments and mental health resource and service agencies in the NLCGA operating-area of Northern and Central BC to consider endorsing and adopting the Mental Health and Addictions Accord in their communities.
Please reach out to bjohnson@nclga.ca to find out more.
