Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s remarks about involuntary treatment for individuals facing serious addiction and mental health issues have revitalized a proposal that Brampton first introduced nearly two years ago.
On Sept. 10, Ford expressed his openness to the idea of involuntary treatment, as long as it benefits both those affected and their communities. He also mentioned wanting to discuss this matter with mayors.
In Ontario, “involuntary” care typically means that a person can be held in a psychiatric facility without their agreement when a physician believes they meet specific legal criteria; however, being admitted involuntarily doesn’t guarantee that treatment can be given without consent.
This has led Brampton to renew its request for Ontario to set up a compassionate intervention pilot project in Peel Region.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and city council initially urged the province to create such a pilot in October 2024, arguing that some individuals with severe addictions, mental health disorders or acquired brain injuries cannot seek help on their own.
The city’s plan envisioned a procedure where first responders could take someone in crisis to a psychiatric facility, where a physician would decide if intervention was needed for the individual’s health and safety as well as that of others.
Now, with Ford indicating he is open to considering involuntary treatment, Brampton is advocating for the proposal once more.
“I want to thank Premier Ford for being open to this conversation and for committing to sit down with mayors,” Brown said in a statement Tuesday. “Brampton first asked the Province for a compassionate intervention pilot in October 2024 because we see every day what happens when someone in severe crisis is not able to ask for help themselves.”
The city highlights the urgent need for intervention due to the pressures placed on police and emergency services in Peel.
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‑ –> ‑ –> Chief emphasized how officers spending “tens of thousands of hours” waiting at hospitals illustrates just how crucial it is connect these individuals with proper services available outside law enforcement channels.
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Between January 2022 and July 2026, Peel Regional Police recorded 24,027 apprehensions involving 17,726 individuals. This averages out to around 14 apprehensions each day according to city data. Police also responded to 3,105 overdose incidents during this timeframe, with 534 resulting in fatalities. The city points out that repeat encounters significantly burden police resources. From January 2020 through June 2024, there were 1,754 people who were apprehended more than once while 57 were taken into custody over ten times. Brampton claims these repeated incidents accounted for over 12,830 officer shifts and cost more than $12 million in officer time. Officers spent upwards of 30,000 hours waiting at hospitals on these calls too. The statistics are being used by the city as proof that those experiencing serious addiction and mental health crises require an easier route into treatment instead of relying repeatedly on police and emergency departments. Brampton also notes an increasing demand for mental health and addiction services. At the time of its initial request in early 2024, the city reported that visits to emergency departments related to mental health and addictions had surged by 121 percent since 2010. The province will need to determine how any system involving involuntary treatment would actually function. Ontario oversees the legislative and healthcare framework surrounding involuntary care under laws such as the Mental Health Act and the Health Care Consent Act. Current legislation outlines specific conditions under which treatment can occur without consent during emergencies among other situations. Ford stated that his administration is examining involuntary mental health and addiction treatments while recently appointing an Associate Minister of Mental Health. For Brampton moving forward involves persuading the province to test this new approach within Peel Region. “We need an integrated healthcare system that meets people where they are at while closing gaps in care so we can provide paths toward treatment recovery,” said Brampton Regional Councillor Rowena Santos. Brampton insists any pilot must balance necessary interventions with respecting the dignity of those undergoing severe crises while connecting them with suitable healthcare support services available within communities. Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah has voiced support for this initiative stating officers often serve as first responders during mental health or addiction-related crises faced by individuals needing assistance quickly.‑ –> ‑ –> Chief emphasized how officers spending “tens of thousands of hours” waiting at hospitals illustrates just how crucial it is connect these individuals with proper services available outside law enforcement channels.
This matter goes beyond just having officers handle cases like these efficiently-it’s about ensuring everyone receives appropriate support when they’re struggling most effectively at all times across our community!
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