B.C.'s planned expansion of involuntary care 'unacceptable,' says civil liberties group
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has called on B.C. Premier David Eby to abandon the province's planned expansion of involuntary care for people suffering from a combination of drug addiction, brain injuries and mental health issues.
In a statement Wednesday, the CCLA's Anaïs Bussières McNicoll acknowledged ongoing problems surrounding the "alarming and pressing epidemic" of drug addiction in the province, but called plans announced by Eby over the weekend to mandate treatment for certain individuals with concurrent health issues "unacceptable."
"Forced treatment directly impacts the rights to liberty and security. Courts have recognized that the right to refuse unwanted medical treatment is fundamental to a person’s dignity and autonomy," said Bussières McNicoll, director of the association's Fundamental Freedoms Program.
"Going against these basic human rights by forcing individuals to be admitted into treatment facilities is arbitrary detention."
Asked about the criticism at an unrelated news conference Wednesday, Eby called the CCLA's characterization a "fundamentally misleading construction" of the plans, which he said were crafted with the intention of balancing the rights of the broader public with those of individuals who could pose a danger to themselves and others.
"There's some people who should be in jail, who belong in jail to ensure community safety," Eby said. "There's some people who need to be in intensive, secure mental health treatment."
The premier said arguments from the extremes of either side of the political spectrum – which he summed up as "We can just lock everybody up" and "Don't lock anybody up" – are "simplistic" approaches to a complex issue.
Bussières McNicoll also raised concerns that involuntary care is "likely to disproportionately target groups that are already marginalized," including Indigenous residents, Black residents, members of the 2SLGBTQ community, people with disabilities, and those living in poverty.
Others critics have argued the government should ensure voluntary addictions treatment is available to everyone who seeks it before increasing reliance on mandated care.
The B.C. NDP's plans were announced weeks before the provincial election, and days after the B.C. Conservatives outlined a broader approach to involuntary treatment for people suffering from "severe addictions," including children.
Eby said his government would open secure facilities across the province for treatment of select individuals with serious simultaneous health issues, including brain injuries that resulted from repeated overdoses.
The B.C. Greens have not followed suit with a similar plan, with leader Sonia Furstenau arguing there's little evidence involuntary care works, and that the province should be more focused on addressing the root causes of addiction.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Ben Miljure
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Back on air: John Vennavally-Rao on reclaiming his career while living with cancer
'In February, there was a time when I thought my career as a TV reporter was over,' CTV News reporter and anchor John Vennavally-Rao writes.
The winter solstice is here, the Northern Hemisphere's darkest day
The winter solstice is Saturday, bringing the shortest day and longest night of the year to the Northern Hemisphere — ideal conditions for holiday lights and warm blankets.
Poilievre writes to GG calling for House recall, confidence vote after Singh declares he's ready to bring Liberals down
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has written to Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, imploring her to 'use your authority to inform the prime minister that he must' recall the House of Commons so a non-confidence vote can be held. This move comes in light of NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh publishing a letter stating his caucus 'will vote to bring this government down' sometime in 2025.
School custodian stages surprise for Kitchener, Ont. students ahead of holiday break
He’s no Elf on the Shelf, but maybe closer to Ward of the Board.
Kelly Clarkson's subtle yet satisfying message to anyone single this Christmas
The singer and daytime-talk show host released a fireside video to accompany her 2021 holiday album, “When Christmas Comes Around” that she dubbed, “When Christmas Comes Around…Again.
Judge sentences Quebecer convicted of triple murder who shows 'no remorse'
A Quebecer convicted in a triple murder on Montreal's South Shore has been sentenced to life in prison without chance of parole for 20 years in the second-degree death of Synthia Bussieres.
At least 2 dead, 60 hurt after car drives into German Christmas market in suspected attack
A car plowed into a busy outdoor Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg on Friday, killing at least two people and injuring at least 60 others in what authorities suspect was an attack.
16-year-old German exchange student dies after North Vancouver crash
A 16-year-old high school student from Germany who was hit by a Jeep in North Vancouver, B.C., last weekend has died in hospital, authorities confirmed.
Poilievre to Trump: 'Canada will never be the 51st state'
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is responding to U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s ongoing suggestions that Canada become the 51st state, saying it will 'never happen.'