As part of its plan to protect Ontario and keep communities safe, the Ontario government is enhancing public safety by investing a total of $242,796.09 over two years to support the Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) led by the South Bruce OPP. The funding will enable police to work with trained crisis workers to provide the specialized support often needed when interacting with people who are experiencing a mental health-related crisis.
“I’m pleased the South Bruce OPP–who provide policing services to the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie, Municipality of Brockton, Township of Huron-Kinloss, Municipality of Kincardine, and the Municipality of South Bruce–will be benefiting from the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant. It will enable officers to work closely with mental health professionals when responding to calls involving individuals in distress,” said Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce.
She added that, “This investment will help ensure people in crisis receive the right support at the right time, while also giving our officers the supports they need to serve our communities safely and effectively. This funding is an important investment in support of strong and safe rural communities across the riding.”
“Our government is taking decisive action to protect Ontario by ensuring police have the tools, resources, and partnerships they need to keep our communities safe,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Through this grant, we are equipping police services with the means to strengthen Mobile Crisis Response Teams, made up of police and crisis workers, who are uniquely positioned to respond to people experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, de-escalating situations that could threaten public safety while connecting vulnerable individuals with the support they need.”
For 2025-26 and 2026-27, 36 police services and OPP detachments will receive approximately $9 million through the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant to increase the capacity of mobile crisis response teams across the province.
“Mental health and addictions are often a factor for our local first responders,” said Luke Charbonneau, Warden of Bruce County. “This investment from the province helps to provide the tools for the de-escalation of complex situations and will contribute to the safety and well-being of our community.”
Keegan Wilcox, Detachment Commander of South Bruce OPP also pointed out that, “This grant will enable the OPP to expand its Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRT) across the province, allowing us to improve pathways and connections to necessary services for those experiencing crisis. When police and health partners can continue working together through initiatives like this, safety is improved and we see better outcomes for everyone.”
