Doug Ford open to involuntary addiction treatment, says mayors frustrated
The premier said Thursday he's willing to discuss expanding involuntary treatment laws, responding to Big City Mayors' two-year push for changes to Ontario's mental health legislation.
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Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Thursday he's open to involuntary addiction treatment, signalling willingness to consider expanding the province's involuntary mental health admissions framework — a request municipalities have been pressing for two years.
Ford's statement came during a cabinet shuffle announcement that included the appointment of Michelle Cooper as a new associate minister of mental health. "I'd be open to it as long as we can help them and help the communities," Ford said. "There has to be a point with some good consultation with the mayors."
Ontario's Big City Mayors group has asked the province twice to urgently review the Mental Health Act and Health Care Consent Act — first two years ago, then again in late August. These laws currently allow for short periods of involuntary hospital admissions. The mayors argue that expanded involuntary treatment options are needed to address the crisis on Toronto's streets and across Ontario municipalities. "The reality is the crisis continues to worsen, and more people than ever are struggling across our province," the mayors said in their late August request. "Lives are at stake and the time to act is now."
Ford acknowledged the mayors' frustration. "Do we force these people into treatment? We have a duty as a society to take care of these people and make sure they get the help that they need, but I want to have that discussion with the mayors right now because they're very, very frustrated."
The province is currently studying involuntary mental health and addiction treatment in jails but has not yet proceeded with legislation. Health Minister Sylvia Jones has not ruled out the idea, though she has said on several occasions she prefers voluntary treatment. Jones is consulting with experts on the issue.
Homelessness and addictions have spiked across Ontario since the COVID-19 pandemic, with municipalities bearing the brunt of the costs. The specific changes to mental health laws that the Big City Mayors are requesting remain unclear, as does the timeline and scope of Ontario's study on involuntary treatment in correctional settings.
What specific changes to the Mental Health Act and Health Care Consent Act do Big City Mayors want the province to make?
What are the interim findings from the province's study on involuntary mental health and addiction treatment in jails, and when is the study expected to conclude?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
What did Premier Doug Ford say about involuntary addiction treatment on Thursday, September 10?
Ford said he is open to involuntary addiction treatment and willing to consider expanding Ontario's involuntary mental health admissions framework, provided there is good consultation with the mayors.
Who did Ontario appoint as associate minister of mental health?
Michelle Cooper was appointed as associate minister of mental health during a cabinet shuffle announced on Thursday, September 10.
How long has the Big City Mayors group been requesting changes to Ontario's mental health laws?
Ontario's Big City Mayors have been pressing for changes to the Mental Health Act and Health Care Consent Act for two years, with their most recent urgent request made in late August.
