Community groups, advocates rally in Vancouver against proposed involuntary care

Emotions were running high at a rally in downtown Vancouver Sunday, as community groups and advocates shared their concerns over involuntary care in the province.

They were highlighting its impacts and bringing awareness to what it means to them and their families.

Outreach worker Blake Edwards says it’s scary to hear how B.C. party leaders plan to address the issue.

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“Statements like this, saying we’re going to treat you involuntarily, we’re going to abuse the powers of the Mental Health Act because you use drugs — that makes my job harder to try to build trust for people in the healthcare system,” Edwards said.

On the campaign trail, the BC NDP and BC Conservatives have said they support involuntary care, with NDP Leader David Eby saying it would be aimed at people struggling with overlapping addictions, mental health issues, and brain injury concerns. The Green Party is focusing on voluntary care, with leader Sonia Furstenau saying involuntary treatment is ineffective.

Many at today’s rally were adamant that involuntary care is not the answer, instead believing the focus should be on addressing the toxic drug crisis or housing.