National Framework on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Act

Summary#

This bill tells the federal Minister of Health to create a national plan for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The goal is to improve awareness, training, and access to care across Canada, working with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners. It also sets deadlines to report results to Parliament and the public.

• Requires a national ADHD framework developed with provinces, territories, Indigenous governing bodies, and other stakeholders.
• Focuses on better resources for people with ADHD and their families.
• Calls for training and tools for teachers to support students with ADHD and related learning challenges.
• Improves training and support for doctors and mental health providers on evidence-based ADHD assessment and treatment.
• Aims to make access to trained providers more equitable across regions.
• Requires a public report with the framework within two years, and a follow-up effectiveness report within five years after that.

What it means for you#

• People with ADHD and families

  • Expect clearer information and practical resources to recognize, understand, and manage ADHD.
  • Over time, access to providers trained in ADHD should improve, especially in areas that lack specialists.
  • The bill itself does not promise coverage for services or medications, but it may guide future policies.

• Students and educators

  • Teachers and schools should receive better training and tools to support students with ADHD and related learning needs.
  • This could mean more consistent classroom strategies and supports across schools, though exact changes will depend on provinces and school systems.

• Health and mental health providers

  • More training opportunities and guidance on evidence-based ADHD assessment and treatment.
  • Easier access to up-to-date best practices and supports.

• Provinces, territories, and Indigenous governing bodies

  • Will be consulted in designing the framework.
  • The framework is national guidance; day-to-day delivery of health and education remains under provincial, territorial, and Indigenous authority.

• General public

  • Increased public awareness about ADHD, which may reduce stigma and support earlier identification.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• A national plan will reduce gaps in diagnosis and care, so people get help earlier and outcomes improve.
• Better teacher training can help students with ADHD stay engaged and increase graduation rates.
• Clear, evidence-based guidance for clinicians will improve quality and reduce uneven care across regions.
• Working with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners respects local roles while setting shared goals.
• Public reporting creates accountability and keeps the issue on the policy agenda.

Opponents' View#

• Health and education are mainly provincial and territorial areas; a federal framework could overlap with existing programs.
• The bill does not include funding, so new training and services may strain current budgets or be unevenly adopted.
• It sets broad goals but few specifics, leaving uncertainty about how changes will reach classrooms and clinics.
• National standards could unintentionally overlook local needs or Indigenous-led approaches if not implemented carefully.