Important Update
Campaign Success: GST/HST Exemption for Counselling and Psychotherapy Services becomes Canadian Law
Today, is a historic day for mental health care. The Government of Canada has passed Bill C-59 An Act to Implement Certain Provisions to the Fall Economic Statement that removes the GST/HST on counselling therapy and psychotherapy services in provinces that regulate the profession. This is a significant achievement for CCPA’s decade of work and advocacy efforts.
“We are thrilled that Bill C-59 has received royal assent.” expressed Carrie Foster, President of CCPA. “This bill will transform the mental health care landscape in Canada by removing financial barriers that prevent many individuals from providing and accessing vital therapy services. As President of CCPA, I am grateful for the support of all Members of Parliament in recognizing the importance of this issue.”
The CCPA looks forward to continuing the conversation with Parliamentarians and working towards a more accessible mental health care landscape in Canada.
The problem
Canadians aged 18 and older screened positive for symptoms of depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in spring 2021.2
1 in 4
Counselling Therapy/
Psychotherapv Is the
most unmet need
of Canadians seeking nelp witn mental
nealth care.1
Counselling Therapists/
Psvchotherapists are the
only
mental health professionals required
to charge GST/HST.
Canadians should not have to pay tax on their mental health services.
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Why we need your help
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This tax creates an unfair disadvantage for practitioners relative to other licensed mental health care professionals.
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Counselling Therapists/Psychotherapists are specifically trained to deliver therapy.
Yet they are the only regulated mental health professionals still required to charge GST/HST
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The removal of GST/HST on counselling therapy/psychotherapy would increase access to services, by reducing the financial burden on our healthcare system, our workplaces and our communities.3
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Exempting counselling therapy/psychotherapy from GST/HST would reduce Canada’s revenue by 0.004%.
In Ontario alone, there are over 10,000 Psychotherapists registered to practice. Removing the barrier of GST/HST nationally would make this mental health service more accessible.
