City councillors will be asked to amalgamate two similar motions from three councillors en route to officially supporting Dr. Barb Kane’s push for a permanent psychiatric facility in Prince George.
At council’s last meeting on Monday, Oct. 7, two notices of motions were raised, one from Coun. Kyle Sampson and one from Coun. Trudy Klassen and Coun. Garth Frizzell.
Both motions, which were intended to go before council on Monday, Oct., 21, would call on council to support Kane’s initiative, which includes a petition that has collected more than 3,000 signatures.
In a report to council, city staff state that amalgamating the two motions would streamline discussions in order for the city to focus on a comprehensive strategy to establish a standalone secure psychiatric care facility in Prince George.
The revised recommendations presented to council include:
- Advocacy campaign: Council would direct the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee to spearhead a strategic campaign advocating for the provincial government to fund a dedicated psychiatric care facility in Prince George. This facility would provide essential support for individuals facing complex mental health challenges, thereby alleviating the pressure on current healthcare services.
- Legislation for involuntary admission: Council would also call for provincial legislation that would facilitate the involuntary admission of individuals in crisis who may not recognize their need for treatment. This legislation aims to ensure that those at risk of self-harm or harm to others receive the necessary care in specialized facilities. Both the NDP and the Conservatives have raised the possibility of doing this on the campaign trail.
- Support for local advocacy: Council would endorse Kane’s petition.
- Communications strategy: Administration would be tasked with developing a communications plan in collaboration with the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee to promote the endorsement of Kane’s petition and encourage other local governments in Northern BC to join in the advocacy efforts.
- Regional engagement: Council would direct staff to forward the resolutions to the Northern Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) as part of the advocacy and communications strategy.
If council doesn't approve the amalgamation, the two separate motions would then be entered.
Council meets Monday, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m.
