Is involuntary treatment the answer for recovery from mental illness, addiction or brain injury? Many community leaders in ߲ݴýdon’t think so but recognize the complexity of this issue.
Recently, the mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown, appealed to the provincial government to allow for involuntary treatment for people in crisis, and the notion has gotten some support. In contrast, health organizations and social service workers have said this will not help the vulnerable communities they serve.
Here are some thoughts from community leaders in ߲ݴýand groups that support a vulnerable population.
Cam Guthrie, mayor of Guelph
“In rare circumstances individuals who are on a continued path to harming themselves or potentially others must have compassionate intervention (involuntary care) for the addictions or mental health issues they’re facing,” said Guthrie.
“The issue is growing, overdoses are increasing, public displays of sometimes violent behaviour from untreated mental health and addictions have had devastating consequences. We are slowly watching members of our community die. No one wants this, but unless there’s an off ramp that can be given to these individuals, we know the most common result will unfortunately be lives lost.
“Early intervention is key, and I especially hear this from parents who are begging for help to save their children. The Ontario government needs to have an informed public discussion about this option with experts. We’re already seeing two other provinces across Canada look to implement these measures because they too realize the status quo is not working. If such policies were implemented, they must come with immense resources for it to be successful. There are already waiting lists for helping those that are seeking help on their own.”
Mike Schreiner, member of provincial parliament
“There are many tools recommended by mental health experts to help deal with the mental health and the drug poisoning crises Ontario is facing, and I believe we should follow their advice. These include expanding mental health and addictions treatment services, harm reduction, investing in supportive housing with wraparound mental health care, and increasing funding for community-based mental health providers. The Ford government has failed to adequately fulfil any of these. In the case of harm reduction, they are actually cutting services,” said Schreiner in a statement.
“We need an approach that is effective and rooted in compassion and care — not one that stigmatizes people with mental health challenges. I will continue pushing for investments in housing, mental health care and public health solutions so we can offer all Ontarians the care and treatment they need.”
Helen Fishburn, CEO of CMHA Waterloo Wellington
“Involuntary treatment programs are not the answer for supporting those with mental health and substance use issues. There is no evidence that involuntary treatment is effective or more effective than voluntary treatment, rather evidence indicates that it creates further potential harms to individuals including a higher risk of potential overdose,” said Fishburn.
“We need to decrease barriers to accessing health and social services — including housing, mental health, and harm reduction services — and voluntary treatment for opioid and other substance use disorders. We need a well-funded, co-ordinated mental health and addictions system to address the root causes that are contributing to encampments and addiction. These are incredibly complex issues and there is no single initiative that will solve substance use and mental health challenges for people experiencing homelessness.”
Kevin Coghill, pastor and executive director at Royal City Mission
“We need to be a caring community. I think we’re forgetting that we’ve tried things like this before and they weren’t effective. What’s happening right now is not effective either, but we haven’t addressed any root causes. We’re just trying for Band-Aid solutions,” Coghill said. “Actually, it’s like putting a Band-Aid on a serious infection and thinking it will heal the problem.”
“Yes, there are some benefits to mandatory treatments, temporarily, but without a comprehensive change in people’s situations, this will only work for a small number of individuals.
“I rebel against things that I have to do. If I’m not interested in doing it, why would I put the effort in? It’s a pretty big life change to say, I’m going to do this because someone made me.”
Coghill said whether folks are forced into hospitals or shelters, foster homes, residential schools or jails, it causes a misuse of power and a lifetime, if not generations, of trauma.
“When you give people that kind of power, they abuse others,” he said. “How could we forget that?”
“I don’t think people recognize the results of their actions or their privilege if they haven’t taken time to live in someone else’s tent,” Coghill said.
Your Downtown ߲ݴýFriends, a youth-led grassroots initiative
“At Your Downtown ߲ݴýFriends, we believe in the dignity and autonomy of every individual, especially when it comes to treatment for addiction, mental health, or any other form of care. Forced treatment policies often strip individuals of their rights and autonomy, pushing them into situations where they feel powerless. This approach not only fails to address the root causes of their struggles but also hinders long-term success and healing. Forced treatment often fails to provide individuals with outpatient support, which is crucial in maintaining wellness following any in-treatment,” said the group in a statement.
“What people truly need are choices — options for treatment that align with their needs, preferences, and readiness. When individuals have control over their recovery journey, they are more likely to engage meaningfully, invest in their healing, and rebuild their lives. Empowerment, not coercion, is the foundation of real, sustainable progress.
“Currently, the lack of accessible and diverse treatment options leaves many without the support they deserve. We must shift our focus from forcing treatment to providing resources and programs that meet people where they are. That means a robust, compassionate network of supports — from harm reduction to voluntary treatment options — that empower individuals to take control of their recovery.
“Your Downtown ߲ݴýFriends stands for a community where everyone has the freedom to make informed choices about their treatment and the support to pursue those choices with dignity.”
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