In response to BC NDP Leader David Eby announcing on Sept. 15 that if he is re-elected, his party plans to expand involuntary care for people with brain injuries, mental illnesses and severe addictions, the PG Solidarity group is organizing a protest rally in front of the Prince George courthouse to say ‘Care is Not forced!’ on Friday, Oct. 11 at noon.
In an email, PG Solidarity stated that telling Eby, Conservative Leader John Rustad and Prince George city council that their intention is a "dangerous and un-empathetic approach that will create more stigma, fear and criminalization of already marginalized populations."
“Amid the toxic drug crisis, the housing crisis, a strained healthcare system, and a lack of voluntary care beds, the expansion of the Mental Health Act will inevitably lead to more harm being inflicted on vulnerable people,” the statement continued.
Involuntary treatment includes interventions such as forced medication and institutionalization.
Several organizations have already spoken out against the plans to expand involuntary care, including the BC Association of Social Workers, Canadian Mental Health Association, BC division, BC Civil Liberties Association and First United Church.
Community organizations are advocating against involuntary care and calling for a review of the current Mental Health Act and its effectiveness.
Eby’s plan is to use correctional facilities to house individuals apprehended under the Mental Health Act and some city council members have proposed lobbying the government for a secure mental health facility in town and called for an expansion of the criteria for involuntary care, said the statement.
If elected, Rustad and the BC Conservatives will implement what they call "compassionate intervention legislation" that focuses on involuntary care for individuals living with “severe addictions.”
These measures are costly and do not tackle the root of the issues, the statement continued.
“We acknowledge that many people in our community are looking for solutions to the toxic drug supply and its associated health and social impacts; there are valid concerns about homelessness, substance use, and crime and how these issues impact businesses downtown.”
The public is invited to the protest to show their support for compassionate voluntary care for people living with mental illness, brain injury, and people who use substances, and to say no to the expansion of the mental health act and increased involuntary care in BC.
