Cowichan Valley Youth Services Secures Health Canada Funding to Expand Youth Mental Health Supports

DUNCAN, BC, APRIL 2026 — Cowichan Valley Youth Services (CVYS) is proud to announce new funding from Health Canada’s Youth Mental Health Fund, aimed at strengthening and expanding mental health services for youth aged 12–24 across the Cowichan region.

“Community organizations are key to strengthening youth mental health because they understand the needs and realities of young people in their communities, especially those facing the greatest barriers to care,” said The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health. “Through Health Canada’s Youth Mental Health Fund, our government is helping young people access mental health care where they feel safe and supported. Supporting young Canadians today means building a Canada strong for generations to come.”

This significant investment will enhance the quality, effectiveness, and reach of CVYS programs, ensuring more young people can access timely, responsive, and youth-centered mental health supports.

“This funding represents an important step forward in ensuring that youth in our community have access to the supports they need to thrive,” said Chris Schultz, Board Chair, CVYS.

CVYS has seen increasing numbers of youth and caregivers seeking mental health support, many of whom are impacted by concurrent crises including food and housing insecurity, and who encounter barriers when accessing services in community.

“At CVYS, we know that mental health support must be holistic, accessible, and responsive to each young person’s unique circumstances,” said Zoe Lauckner, CVYS Executive Director.

Through the funding, CVYS has hired a Director of Programs, Liam Law (M.A., RCC), who is tasked with strengthening program quality, supporting staff, and leading ongoing evaluation and improvement across all services. This role will help ensure that CVYS programs are grounded in evidence-informed practices and are responsive to the evolving needs of youth in the community.

Liam brings a strong background in youth mental health, with experience in clinical counselling, education, program development, and working directly with young people facing complex challenges. His expertise will support CVYS in enhancing the consistency, effectiveness, and overall impact of its programs.

“This investment allows us to be more intentional about how we design and deliver our programs, and to ensure we are achieving meaningful outcomes for the youth we serve,” shared Law.

By increasing both the depth and coordination of its services, CVYS is strengthening its ability to support youth navigating mental health challenges, families strengthening their communication and connection, and the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

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Related Government of Canada Announcement

On May 7, 2026, the Government of Canada announced funding recipients under Stream 2 of the Youth Mental Health Fund, including Cowichan Valley Youth Services, as part of a national investment in youth mental health.

Health Canada’s announcement highlights projects across the country that are improving access to community‑based mental health supports for youth.

Read the full Government of Canada news release: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2026/05/the-government-of-canada-is-making-an-investment-in-youth-mental-health.html

View funded projects under Youth Mental Health Fund – Stream 2 (CVYS listed): https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/topics/mental-health-wellness/about-youth-mental-health-fund.html#a4