Ontario Investing to Expand Mobile Crisis Response Teams and Mental health Supports to Better Protect Communities and First Responders

January 30, 2026

Funding will help South Simcoe Police respond to individuals in crisis and strengthen
first responder wellness in Innisfil and Bradford.

Friday, January 30, 2026

YORK—SIMCOE — As part of its plan to protect Ontario and keep communities safe, the Ontario government is enhancing public safety by investing $120,000.00 over two years to the South Simcoe Police Service through the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant. 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.

In addition, the government is also investing $25,000.00 through the Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel Program. This funding will provide South Simcoe Police officers with access to 24/7 mental health supports tailored to the unique needs for first responders ensuring help is available when and where they need it.

“Our government is taking decisive action to protect Ontario and support those who keep our communities safe,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Through these grants, we are equipping South Simcoe Police with the resources they need to respond to people experiencing mental health, while ensuring our first responders have the support they need to continue protecting our communities.”

QUOTES

“Police officers across the province are often faced with serious situations involving individuals experiencing mental health and addictions emergencies. The Mobile Crisis Response Team Grant (MCRT) will help ensure that residents in South Simcoe receive support from well‑trained officers during their most vulnerable moments. Our province is committed to providing police with the resources and personal mental health supports they need to keep themselves and our communities safe.”

                                                                                ~ Caroline Mulroney, MPP for York–Simcoe

“Our government is investing in Mobile Crisis Response Teams and mental health supports to better equip first responders and protect community members during mental health and addictions crises. Since 2018, we have invested nearly $7 million in the South Simcoe Police Service, reinforcing our commitment to public safety. This is how we are protecting Ontario—by strengthening communities and supporting the first responders, who serve and protect safety and well-being of our local residents.”

                                                                                     ~ Andrea Khanjin, MPP for Barrie–Innisfil

“When someone is experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, the way we respond can make a lasting difference. We are committed to serving with compassion in every situation. Working alongside crisis professionals, we can approach these calls with care, de-escalate potentially dangerous situations, and connect people to the help they need. On behalf of the South Simcoe Police Service, I thank the Ontario government for this funding, which strengthens our Mobile Crisis Response Team, enhances the resources available to our officers, and helps keep our community safe.”

                                                                             ~ Chief John Van Dyke, South Simcoe Police

QUICK FACTS  

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.

Explore mental health resources for current and retired first responders and public safety personnel, and their families: Mental health resources for first responders and public safety personnel.

-30-

Marisa Patricelli
MPP Mulroney’s Office

marisa.patricelli@pc.ola.org

905-895-1555

Lana Barkan
MPP Khanjin’s Office

lana.barkan@pc.ola.org
705-722-0575