BC Not the First to Consider Mandatory Treatment for Severe Addictions

Although British Columbia has been in the spotlight this week for mulling mandatory care, it’s an approach that has also gained traction in New Brunswick, Alberta, and Ontario.
Mandatory care has been used historically in Canada, but was abandoned in recent decades when the idea took hold that the method infringes on personal liberties. Since the 1990s, the approach to addiction in Canada has moved from abstinence-based models to harm reduction–a method aimed at reducing the negative impacts of drug use rather than a focus on eliminating the use itself.
With this approach have come measures like the decriminalization of illicit drugs and supervised consumption sites.
The program, officials said, would provide four to six months of detox and rehabilitation. It would also help patients re-establish ties with their families and reintegrate into society.
This past spring, however, the provincial government decided to delay implementation of the bill, saying more time was needed to “get it right.”
With a provincial election coming before the next parliamentary session, passing the bill while expanding addictions treatment is now part of Higgs’s re-election campaign. The election is scheduled for Oct. 21.
Earlier this month, the province announced it will allocate nearly $1.5 million for the expansion of Village of Hope, a recovery program for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. The organization’s website says it approaches recovery “spiritually, emotionally and physically” while teaching self-accountability.
Under the act, doctors, police officers or family members of drug addicts would be allowed to petition the court for involuntary treatment if the person appears to be a danger to themselves or others.
Smith was re-elected, and her government is exploring approaches to the legislation, according to the province’s 2023-2024 mental health and addictions annual report.
The province also recently banned consumption sites near schools and daycares, and announced legislation that, if passed, would prohibit municipalities from opening new consumption sites or participating in federal safer supply initiatives.
The measure was endorsed by several municipal officials, including the mayors of Windsor, Guelph, Barrie, Brampton and Sudbury.
“I commend the provincial government for moving forward with a detailed plan to save lives, restore families and improve communities struggling with the stranglehold of addictions,” said Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie, adding that the recovery-focused model will bring the results some cities have been “desperately” requesting for their “most vulnerable citizens.”
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow expressed concerns, saying that changes to harm reduction programs should be made in consultation with Toronto Public Health.
If implemented, the province would see nine provincially funded consumption sites and one self-funded site close by March 31, 2025.