Councillors in two British Columbia communities have embraced the premier’s announcement of involuntary care facilities in response to concerns about public safety. While a drug policy expert suggests that compelling individuals into drug treatment may not be effective, Premier David Eby revealed plans for the establishment of such facilities in Surrey and Prince George during the recent Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) convention.
Emphasizing the prevalent issues of public disorder and drug use, Eby highlighted the necessity for 100 new involuntary treatment beds shared between the two communities. Representatives from Surrey and Prince George expressed gratitude for the initiative, citing the urgent demand for addiction treatment services in their regions.
Prince George Coun. Trudy Klassen commended the introduction of involuntary care beds, acknowledging that it marks a positive start to addressing the city’s healthcare challenges. Klassen noted the strain on healthcare resources due to the absence of an involuntary care facility in Prince George, leading to an overreliance on hospital beds for psychiatric patients.
In Surrey, Coun. Linda Annis welcomed the news of the upcoming facilities but stressed that more comprehensive measures are required to address the overarching issues. Annis highlighted the need for increased housing and social services in Surrey, a city grappling with street disorder attributed to individuals who should be receiving care instead of being left unattended outdoors.
While the government’s move towards involuntary care drew support from local authorities, DJ Larkin, Executive Director of the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition, expressed concerns over the approach. Larkin emphasized that involuntary care decisions should be based on clinical considerations rather than political motives, advocating for improvements in voluntary care services to prevent drug-related complications effectively.
Furthermore, Kora DeBeck, a professor at Simon Fraser University specializing in research on substance abuse, cautioned against the effectiveness of coercing individuals into treatment. DeBeck highlighted the potential dangers of reducing opiate tolerance through involuntary treatment, underscoring the importance of offering safer alternatives to toxic drugs for long-term solutions.
Overall, while the introduction of involuntary care facilities is a step towards addressing addiction issues, experts stress the need for a comprehensive approach involving voluntary care enhancements and alternative drug supply initiatives to combat public drug use effectively.