CANADALAND BC is Forcing Drug Users into Rehab. Can it Work?
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Oct 7, 2025 Mark Page, a legislative correspondent for Black Press, discusses B.C.'s controversial shift to involuntary care for severe addiction, moving away from safe supply and decriminalization. Alison Ritter, a professor from the University of New South Wales with expertise in involuntary treatment, adds international perspective on civil commitment models. They explore the challenges, costs, and potential outcomes of forced rehab, revealing insights from Australia’s experiences while debating the balance between lifesaving care and civil rights.
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Policy Shift From Harm Reduction
- British Columbia is shifting from harm-reduction policies toward involuntary care for people with severe addictions.
- The government argues this is needed because past approaches like safe supply are "not working."
Reinterpreting Existing Law
- B.C. is not changing the Mental Health Act but reinterpreting it to include severe addiction cases.
- The province plans dedicated facilities to admit, treat, and detain these people under that reinterpretation.
Advocate's Fear Of Carceral Treatment
- Advocate Guy Filicella fears involuntary care will turn treatment into incarceration and punishment.
- He warned that prison-like environments and lack of post-release supports re-traumatize people instead of helping them recover.
