To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:
WHEREAS mental health care is health care;
WHEREAS the mental health crisis facing Ontarians has become worse as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic;
WHEREAS BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+ folks, women, and people with disabilities have historically faced significant barriers to accessing equitable health care services due to systemic discrimination
WHEREAS Registered Psychotherapists provide vital mental health servies, especially as an early intervention; and
WHEREAS a 13% tax added to the cost of receiving psychotherapy services is another barrier for Ontarians seeking this vital care;
THEREFORE, we the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to pass the Making Psychotherapy Services Tax-Free Act immediately, to remove this barrier to accessing mental health services.