YOUR PERSPECTIVE: Limited use of involuntary care should be considered

As the overdose crisis continues to claim lives in British Columbia every day, BC United continues to urge the NDP government to explore every possible avenue to help those struggling to overcome addiction. Government should be providing these individuals with access to all types of treatment and support services to achieve long-term recovery, including the limited use of involuntary care as a necessary tool to treat mental health and substance use disorders as laid out in the Official Opposition’s Better is Possible plan.

This week, I tabled a motion in the Legislature calling on the House to support the limited use of involuntary treatment to keep our most vulnerable youth and adults at risk of harm to themselves or others safe at modernized, compassionate facilities with twenty-four seven psychiatric and medical supports. I stressed that while involuntary care should only be used when all other options have been exhausted, it’s crucial to recognize there are extraordinary situations where this type of intervention and support is necessary and beneficial for both adults and youth.

As compassionate citizens and legislators, we have a moral obligation to protect the small portion of the population that is at a place in their life where their mental health or their addictions have caused them to lose the ability to make decisions in their own best interests. So many parents are struggling with this issue, and we cannot leave these parents on their own to cope with their loved ones’ deteriorating health and the threats of exploitation by drug dealers and human traffickers. They need our support and compassion, not our judgment or indifference.

The government has a role to play to look after and provide better care and support for our most vulnerable youth and adults at risk of harm to themselves or others, and ensure they receive the care and treatment in a safe environment with 24/7 psychiatric and medical supports where they can recover and lead fulfilling lives. Better is indeed possible.