Many people in Canada face mental health struggles and illnesses. In addition, young women and girls face certain mental health challenges that are different from men and boys. Considering that the COVID-19 pandemic is worsening the mental health situation in Canada, the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women conducted a study exploring the factors affecting the mental health of young women and girls. The Committee would like to provide a trigger warning for this report. This report discusses various mental health struggles, including personal experiences related to suicide and suicidal ideation. Therefore, some readers may experience difficulties when reading this report.

Factors like gender-based stereotypes, social media, cyberbullying, and exposure to violence were brought up by witnesses. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues affecting the mental health of populations that have been marginalized by systems were also highlighted by witnesses. The Committee was told about gaps and barriers in mental health services and suggestions to improve these services. Based on the testimony heard, the Committee made 18 recommendations to the federal government to improve the mental health of young women and girls in Canada. The subjects of these recommendations included data collection and research, prevention services, addressing online harms, education, funding for community organizations and health services, and meeting the needs of diverse young women and girls and gender-diverse people in Canada.