Mental Health First Aid: Bulk Pricing in Canada: A Guide for Group Bookings
The cost and bulk pricing for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training in Canada is not standardized and will vary between different certified facilitators and organizations.
This is because MHFA facilitators are independent businesses or organizations (like St. John Ambulance, CMHA branches, or private trainers) who set their own pricing, even though the curriculum is licensed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC).
Typical Group/Bulk Pricing Structures
Bulk pricing is generally offered as a private course for your organization or business, with a minimum and maximum number of participants. The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) specifies that minimum and maximum participant numbers vary by delivery method, with virtual courses typically accommodating 8 to 15 people and in-person, on-site courses allowing for 8 to 25 people. The cost is usually quoted as a per-person discount or a flat fee for the entire group. This would be examples of pricing for online MHFA certification programs:
MHFA Standard (1-Day Essentials):
Standard rate: $250 per person
Bulk rate: $160-$195 per person
MHFA Standard (2-Day Certification)
Standard rate: $350 per person
Bulk rate: $200-$255 per person
MHFA Adults Supporting Youth (1- Day Certification)
Standard rate: $250 per person
Bulk rate: $160-$195 per person
Note: The "Standard Suggested Rate" is the benchmark recommended by the MHCC for high-quality, non-subsidized courses, but actual rates vary widely.
Key Factors Influencing Bulk Cost
The rate you are quoted for a group booking will depend on the following factors:
Facilitator Type: Non-profits (like CMHA or St. John Ambulance) may have different pricing models than full-time independent trainers.
Course Format: Virtual/Blended (partially self-directed online) courses are often less expensive than full, two-day, in-person training.
Total Number of Participants: The deeper discounts usually apply to the largest groups. You will need to contact the provider for a specific quote based on your exact headcount.
Location: For in-person, on-site training, travel fees may apply if your location is outside of the instructor's immediate area (e.g., outside the GTA).
Inclusions: Some quotes may be "all-inclusive" (materials, certification) while others might list proctoring or materials as an additional cost.
Next Steps to Get a Quote
Since there is no single published "bulk rate" for all of Canada, the most effective step is to contact facilitators directly for a custom quote.
Determine Your Needs:
Number of People: The exact count of employees you need to train.
Preferred Format: In-Person, Virtual, or Blended.
Course Type: Standard/Basic, Youth, Seniors, etc.
Timeline: When you need the training to be delivered.
Contact Multiple Providers:
Get quotes from a few different certified organizations in your province or one that offers Canada-wide virtual training. Look for:
St. John Ambulance Canada
Local Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Branches
Private corporate training companies that advertise MHFA certification, like iMindify.
Consider the Facilitator Background and Expertise:
Facilitator pricing and delivery are largely determined by their category: Non-Profit/Large Organizations (like CMHA or St. John Ambulance) typically set rates to cover organizational overhead and initiatives; Independent Full-Time Trainers price to cover the full cost of running a specialized training business; and Part-Time/Casual Trainers may offer lower rates due to reduced overhead. While all must follow the core MHCC curriculum, their unique career backgrounds (clinical vs. corporate), facilitation skills, and business terms (cancellation policies) impact the training experience. To find the best fit for your team, we recommend reading our guide on MHFA Cost Comparison in Canada: Which is Training is the Best?
Want more information on MHFA? See our Ultimate MHFA Guide here!