What is the provincial government doing to help support students’ mental health and well-being?  

That was one of the questions posed to local MLAs by Holy Trinity Catholic School Division Trustees during a meeting on Monday.  

Moose Jaw North MLA Tim McLeod said students' mental health and well-being are on the province’s radar.  

“There have been already many significant investments already made, and we anticipate more coming as this issue continues to evolve and we're seeing various partnerships and new developments,” McLeod said.  

Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Greg Lawrence noted that mental health is near-and-dear to him as he has a personal service dog. He said there is a real concern for the mental health of children.  

“Both Tim and I advocate for mental health well-being across the board, especially including our students because if we catch them and give them the help they need at a younger age it saves a lot of hurt and heartbreak in the long term,” Lawrence said.  

The province currently spends $2 million yearly for a Mental Health Capacity Building initiative in 10 schools across the province. There are no schools in Moose Jaw taking part in the pilot project.  

The initiative is led by the Saskatchewan Health Authority in conjunction with the Ministries of Education and Health.  

The program will see the participating schools serve as resource hubs, giving students access to a range of mental health promotions and programming through collaborations with schools, communities and healthcare providers.  

The province also promotes its Healthline 811 as well as Counselling Connect Saskatchewan and Kids Help Phone. 

Aside from provincial funding, Moose Jaw’s school division benefit from fundraising efforts for mental health initiatives including the Homestand outdoor concerts.