Overview of the Promise

During his 2025 election campaign, Mark Carney, as Liberal Party leader, promised to support the health, including mental health, of Canada's first responders. The promise specifically outlined achieving this by doubling collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT). This commitment aimed to enhance research, funding, and programs targeted at addressing physical and mental health challenges faced by first responders, such as police, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency personnel.

Actions Taken by the Carney Government

Since assuming office in May 2025 following the federal election, Prime Minister Mark Carney's government has prioritized health care modernization, including mental health initiatives. While no specific legislation has been proposed or passed directly tied to doubling collaboration with CIHR and CIPSRT, there have been related investments and announcements. For instance, the government has continued and expanded federal funding for health research through CIHR, building on pre-existing programs. In March 2024, prior to Carney's tenure, the Government of Canada announced a $13.8 million investment in applied public health research via CIHR and the Public Health Agency of Canada, which included mental health components. Under Carney, this momentum has carried forward with a focus on innovative health solutions, such as integrating AI into health tech, which could indirectly benefit first responders' mental health support.

Regarding CIPSRT, which specializes in public safety personnel research, there have been ongoing collaborations, including funding for programs like the Before Operational Stress initiative. This program, supported through CIPSRT, provides proactive mental health training for first responders. While not explicitly announced as a "doubling" of efforts, Carney's administration has emphasized emergency response and mental health in contexts like wildfire management, where first responders are key. The Incident Response Group, convened multiple times by Carney in 2025, has addressed crises involving first responders, highlighting the need for their well-being, though without direct ties to expanded CIHR or CIPSRT partnerships.

Legislation and Policy Developments

To date, no new legislation has been introduced or passed specifically addressing the doubling of collaboration with CIHR and CIPSRT. The Carney government has focused on broader health care protection, as outlined in campaign platforms, including commitments to modernize public health systems. Existing frameworks, such as the Canada Health Act, remain in place, but critics from organizations like the Fraser Institute have called for reforms to improve wait times and access, which could impact first responders' health services. Instead of new laws, the government has relied on budgetary allocations and partnerships. For example, announcements in 2025 have included investments in brain health and infection research through CIHR, which could extend to mental health supports, but these do not explicitly reference first responders or a doubling of collaborative efforts.

Progress on Key Promise Elements

The promise breaks down into supporting overall health and mental health specifically, achieved via doubled collaboration with CIHR and CIPSRT. On mental health, national organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association have continued peer-led programs such as Resilient Minds, which align with federal goals, but federal doubling of collaboration remains unclear. CIHR has seen investments in healthy brain aging and masculinity reframing for mental health, potentially applicable to first responders, yet no metrics confirm a doubling—such as increased funding or joint projects—since Carney took office. Similarly, CIPSRT's role in funding mental health initiatives for public safety personnel persists, but without evidence of expanded scope under the new government. As of August 2025, these elements appear to be building on prior efforts rather than representing a significant escalation.

For the promise to be considered kept, the government would need to demonstrate quantifiable doubling, such as a formal announcement of increased funding, joint research grants, or expanded programs with CIHR and CIPSRT targeted at first responders. If no such actions occur by the end of the fiscal year or if budgets are cut, it could be at risk of being broken. Currently, with only a few months in office, initiatives are advancing but not yet at the promised level.

Challenges and Criticisms

Critics argue that while Carney's government has addressed broader health crises, specific attention to first responders' mental health lags. Research indicates first responders face higher rates of mental disorders, underscoring the urgency. Provincial programs, like those in Alberta and Ontario, have stepped in with investments, but federal leadership is needed for national consistency. Without targeted legislation or clear metrics on collaboration doubling, some view progress as insufficient.

Overall Status

This promise is in progress.