The Canadian Mental Health Association has seen a significant increase in demand for mental health and addiction services over the past two years.

Helen Fishburn, CEO of CMHA Waterloo Wellington, said: "It is concerning that people sit on waiting lists for years."

There are more than 3,670 people on a waiting list for health support and demand is increasing. Fishburn said crisis calls have also increased by 40 percent compared to pre-pandemic times.

"There were 3,500 to 4,000 calls per month, but now the average is about 5,500 to 6,500 calls per month.

Shona Smith, a resident of Brantford seeking a mental health counselor, said she is still recovering from isolation during lockdowns. "It's the fear of interacting with people. At least I used to go shopping, and now I don't even go to the store."

Although she has already been on a mental health service waiting list for five months, Smith said she expects to receive counseling as soon as possible by next October.

The provincial health management agency has called for an eight percent increase in funding, representing about 2.65 million USD in light of this increase, to cover operating costs, hire additional staff, and expand services in areas that have not yet been targeted.