October 14, 2026 – New Pollara Strategic Insights research for the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division (CMHA BC) finds strong agreement that British Columbians should be able to get mental health help before they reach a crisis.
Almost nine-in-ten (88%) agree a stronger mental health system means people can get help in their communities before a crisis, and 82% agree that waiting until someone is in crisis is too late.
Asked in their own words what would make the biggest difference, people most often named better access to treatment and services (31%). Over half (54%) named some form of care and support.
Mental health and substance use ranks among the top challenges facing communities (35% top three), and 89% say it is important for municipal governments to play a role.
The online survey was conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights between September 23 and 30, 2026 among N=2,509 British Columbia residents aged 18 years and older. Results were weighted by region, gender and age using the latest census data to accurately reflect the provincial population. A probability sample of this size carries a margin of error of +/-2.0% percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
For more details, see our report and data tables.
