Eby Pledges Involuntary Care for Severe Addictions in BC, Ahead of October Election

British Columbia will be opening secure facilities to provide involuntary care under the Mental Health Act for those with severe addictions or who are mentally ill, the premier announced Sunday just days ahead of the start of a provincial election campaign. David Eby pledged the NDP would change the law in the next legislative session to “provide clarity and ensure that people, including youth, can and should receive care when they are unable to seek it themselves.” “People with addiction challenges, brain injuries and mental-health issues need compassionate care and direct and assertive intervention to help them stabilize and rebuild a meaningful life,” he said. “This announcement is the beginning of a new phase of our response to the addiction crisis. We’re going to respond to people struggling like any family member would. We are taking action to get them the care they need to keep them safe, and in doing so, keep our communities safe, too.”...