Ottawa is setting up a $500-million fund to help community health organizations provide more mental health care to young people.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is making the announcement in Ottawa alongside other cabinet ministers.

During the 2021 election campaign, the Liberals promised a similar fund for post-secondary institutions to help with the mental health of students.

The fund marks the latest in a string of campaign-style, pre-budget announcements from the Liberal government. 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the budget will be focused on young people — particularly on helping them own or rent an affordable home.

Freeland is set to deliver the federal budget next Tuesday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 9, 2024.

The Canadian Press