The Province is moving ahead with changes to the Mental Health Act aimed at strengthening involuntary care and improving support for people dealing with severe mental-health and substance-use challenges.

“When someone is so unwell they can’t make decisions about their own safety, we have a responsibility to step in with compassion and care,” said Premier David Eby.

“By strengthening involuntary care and protecting the people who deliver it, we’re taking an important step to support vulnerable patients, help their families, and build a more responsive mental-health system where no one falls through the cracks.”

If approved, the amendments would replace an older section of the act with updated language meant to better protect front-line health-care workers involved in involuntary treatment.

According to the Province, the goal is to make the system clearer, safer, and more responsive for vulnerable patients who are unable to make decisions about their own care.

Currently, more than 2000 mental-health beds across British Columbia can be used for involuntary care, and the government says work is underway to expand capacity.

Earlier this year new involuntary care beds opened in Maple Ridge and at the Surrey Pretrial Services Centre, with more facilities planned for Surrey and Prince George.

Officials say the amendments are part of broader efforts to build a more complete mental-health system, including voluntary treatment beds, youth supports, treatment lines, First Nations healing services, and supportive housing.

The Mental Health Act has been in place since 1964, and previous amendments have focused on improving access to rights advice for people admitted involuntarily.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.