Councillors from two regions in British Columbia have embraced the premier’s plan to establish involuntary care facilities in response to public safety worries. While a drug policy expert argues that coercing individuals into drug treatment is not effective, BC Premier David Eby revealed during the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) convention that Surrey and Prince George are set to receive such facilities, with specific details to follow.
The initiative, addressing concerns about public disorder and drug use, will introduce 100 new involuntary treatment beds split between the two communities. Local councillors in Surrey and Prince George expressed gratitude for the announcement, emphasizing the pressing need for addiction treatment in their respective areas.
Prince George Coun. Trudy Klassen hailed the move as a positive start but acknowledged it as only the beginning of the required efforts. She highlighted the strain on health services caused by the absence of an involuntary care facility in Prince George, leading to the overuse of hospital beds for psychiatric patients requiring extended care.
Meanwhile, Surrey Coun. Linda Annis welcomed the upcoming facilities but stressed that more comprehensive solutions were necessary, particularly in addressing housing and social service shortages in Surrey. She linked street disorder in the city to individuals who should be receiving care instead of being left unattended.
On the other hand, DJ Larkin, the executive director of the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition, raised concerns about the government’s emphasis on involuntary care, arguing that such decisions should be based on clinical, not political considerations. Larkin emphasized the importance of enhancing voluntary care quality to prevent recurring overdoses and associated brain injuries among drug users.
Kora DeBeck, a professor specializing in toxic drug crisis research at Simon Fraser University, welcomed the funding but cautioned against forcing individuals into involuntary treatment, citing its ineffectiveness and potential risks. DeBeck emphasized the need for safer drug supply options and support services as part of a more holistic approach to address public drug use issues effectively.
