Ontario Premier Doug Ford has expressed his willingness to consider the prospect of involuntary addiction treatment as a potential solution.
The Big City Mayors group in Ontario has reiterated their call for the provincial government to review current mental health laws in order to potentially expand involuntary treatment options.
During a recent announcement of a cabinet shuffle appointing a new associate minister of mental health, Michelle Cooper, Ford mentioned, “I’d be open to it as long as we can help them and help the communities.”
While the province is currently looking into involuntary mental health and addiction treatment in correctional facilities, no concrete legislative actions have been taken yet.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in homelessness and addiction cases across Ontario, placing significant financial burdens on municipalities.
Ford emphasized the importance of consulting with mayors regarding the potential enforcement of treatment for individuals struggling with addiction. He stated, “We have a duty as a society to take care of these people and make sure they get the help that they need.”
Health Minister Sylvia Jones has not dismissed the idea of involuntary treatment but has voiced a preference for voluntary approaches, seeking guidance from experts in the field.
The Big City Mayors initially urged the province two years ago to review the Mental Health Act and the Health Care Consent Act to allow for expanded involuntary hospital admissions. Their recent plea highlights the worsening crisis and the urgent need for action.
