C-229 (45-1) - National Framework on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Act
Chamber
commons
Stage
1st Reading
Introduced
Sep 18, 2025
Progress
This bill requires the federal Health Minister to create a national framework to better support Canadians with ADHD.
Key Changes
- Requires the Minister of Health to develop a national ADHD framework in consultation with provinces, Indigenous governing bodies, and stakeholders
- Mandates the creation of resources to help individuals with ADHD and their families understand and manage the disorder
- Requires measures to equip educators with knowledge and tools to support students with ADHD
- Requires improved training for medical and mental health practitioners on ADHD assessment and treatment
- Requires a report to Parliament within two years outlining the completed framework
- Requires a follow-up effectiveness report to Parliament within five years of the initial framework report
Gotchas
- The bill creates a framework and reporting obligation but does not directly fund programs or services — actual implementation would depend on future government action and spending decisions
- Consultation with Indigenous governing bodies is explicitly required, recognizing Indigenous peoples' distinct rights and needs in health and education
- The bill does not set enforceable standards for provinces; since health and education are largely provincial responsibilities, the framework's impact depends on provincial cooperation
- The five-year timeline for an effectiveness review means it could be many years before measurable outcomes are assessed or changes are made based on results
- The bill does not specify a budget or funding mechanism for developing or implementing the framework
Who's Affected
- Canadians diagnosed with ADHD (over one million people)
- Families and caregivers of individuals with ADHD
- Educators and school staff supporting students with ADHD
- Medical and mental health practitioners
- Provincial and territorial health and education systems
- Indigenous communities and governing bodies
Vibes
0 responses
Gotchas
- The bill creates a framework and reporting obligation but does not directly fund programs or services — actual implementation would depend on future government action and spending decisions
- Consultation with Indigenous governing bodies is explicitly required, recognizing Indigenous peoples' distinct rights and needs in health and education
- The bill does not set enforceable standards for provinces; since health and education are largely provincial responsibilities, the framework's impact depends on provincial cooperation
- The five-year timeline for an effectiveness review means it could be many years before measurable outcomes are assessed or changes are made based on results
- The bill does not specify a budget or funding mechanism for developing or implementing the framework
Summary
Bill C-229 directs the Minister of Health to develop a national framework for addressing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Canada. The framework must be created in consultation with provincial governments, Indigenous governing bodies, and other relevant stakeholders. It would focus on improving resources for individuals and families, training for educators and healthcare professionals, and ensuring equitable access to ADHD assessment and treatment. The bill was introduced because ADHD affects over one million Canadians of all backgrounds, and many people with the disorder face serious challenges including lower high school graduation rates and higher rates of other mental health conditions. The bill aims to create a coordinated national response to these challenges. Once the framework is developed, the Minister must table a report in Parliament within two years and publish it online. A follow-up report assessing the framework's effectiveness must be completed within five years of the first report being tabled.
Automatically generated from bill text using Claude
Vibes
0 responses