in World News BC Conservatives vow involuntary treatment for at-risk drug users
By Quinn Patrick, True North Wire
The BC Conservatives have pledged to support involuntary treatment for people struggling with substance abuse should they “pose a risk to themselves and others.”
Party Leader John Rustad said that he is committed to implementing involuntary treatment for those “suffering from severe addictions” if elected, he said in a release on Wednesday.
“People of all ages are being abandoned to their addictions, left to suffer and die while this government hands out drug supplies instead of real help,” said Rustad.
“The Conservatives will bring in Compassionate Intervention Legislation to ensure those at risk receive the necessary care, even when they cannot seek it themselves.”
The party said it will introduce compassionate intervention legislation that introduces laws allowing for involuntary treatment to make sure those struggling with drug addiction receive care “even when they cannot seek it themselves.”
Their proposed legislation would also include “creating secure facilities designed for treatment of individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others, ensuring they receive proper care in a safe environment.”
Finally, the BC Conservatives pledge to establish units for providing ”targeted care for those experiencing severe addiction or mental health crises” which would alleviate pressures on emergency rooms.
“The BC NDP’s refusal to act has cost lives and left families devastated,” said Rustad. “This is about compassionate intervention versus doing nothing. It’s about protecting those who are at risk of death or serious harm because of their addictions.”