Plans for mental-health, addictions services for youth in northern B.C. get $675K boost from province

Long-awaited plans for a centre providing mental-health and addictions services for children and youth in northern British Columbia have received a boost from the provincial government.

Premier David Eby said on a visit to Prince George that young people in northern B.C., especially Indigenous youth, should be able to get the care they need close to home, without having to travel to Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Kamloops or Kelowna.

He said the province will contribute $675,000 to fund consultation to help design and plan programs and services for a proposed "centre of excellence" for children and youth.

Jennifer Whiteside, minister of mental health and addictions, said in a statement that it's essential the services are shaped by the people they are meant to support.

Lheidli T'enneh First Nation Chief Dolleen Logan says the nation will lead the consultation process, following its earlier proposal to develop a multi-use centre offering mental-health and addictions services, neurocognitive assessments and wellness programs.

Logan says the consultation process is a first step toward the reality of young people in northern B.C. being able to access help without having to travel far.

"By doing the important work of consultation and engagement first, we will begin to understand what needs to be a part of the future of the centre of excellence,'' Logan said at a news conference.

The province recently announced plans to close a youth custody centre in Prince George due to lack of use, with several local leaders and service organizations suggesting it be repurposed to provide addictions and mental health support in the community.

The building is being turned over to the Ministry of Citizen Services, who will also be engaging with local First Nations and other community stakeholders to determine next steps.