Implementing Finding New Pathways: Considerations for Health Leaders From Canada’s Action Plan for Criminal Justice

People with mental illnesses are overrepresented in Canada’s criminal justice system, with fragmented care across the continuum contributing to a lack of access to care and support. The Mental Health Commission of Canada released Finding New Pathways: An Action Plan for Criminal Justice and Mental Health in Canada in 2026, outlining key recommendations to address these gaps. This article focuses on three implementation priorities for health leaders: diversion and early intervention, integrated care during justice involvement, and transitions into community care. These priorities represent opportunities for health leaders to build an integrated continuum of care through governance, funding, cross-sector partnerships, standards, and capacity. While health leaders cannot reform the justice system on their own, they can help build the conditions that keep individuals connected to equitable, person-centred care across the continuum.