Mental illness affects people of all ages and from all walks of life. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, patient days related to mental illness totalled 2,131,341 in Ontario (2000/2001).

In 2000 and 2001, nine regional task forces were established by the Minister of Health and Long-Term care. The task force's mandate was to focus on developing recommendations for regional and local improvements to mental health services across the province, in accordance with the ministry's mental health policy, Making It Happen (1999). The following Mental Health Implementation Task Forces were established: Northeastern Ontario, Northwestern Ontario, Champlain Region, Southeast Region, Central South Region (Hamilton), Toronto-Peel, Central East (Whitby), Central East (Penetanguishene) and Southwest.

The MHITFs were designed to serve as mechanisms through which recommendations would be developed for the ministry with respect to Provincial Psychiatric Hospital (PPH) restructuring, community reinvestments and the implementation of mental health reforms.

A Provincial Forum of the MHITFs, including the chairs of all the Task Forces, was established in January 2001. Its role was to identify provincial issues and make recommendations to the ministry regarding the implementation of mental health reform across Ontario. Recommendations of the Provincial Forum are contained in their report
The Time is Now.

In January 2001, the Forensic Mental Health Services Expert Advisory Panel was established by the Minister. The purpose of the panel was to consider province-wide operational issues in the context of existing provincial and Ministry policies. In addition, the panel was to advise government on a provincial strategy for the implementation of a comprehensive forensic mental health service system. The Panel's recommendations are contained in their report
Assessment, Treatment and Community Reintegration of the Mentally Disordered Offender.

All MHITFs, the Provincial Forum and the Forensic Mental Health Services Expert Advisory Panel completed their mandates in December 2002 and January 2003. Below, are each task force's final reports, including their findings and recommendations.

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