Overview
- The province’s document tells doctors to notify parents and clarifies that youth can be admitted under the Mental Health Act at a guardian’s request when they cannot or will not seek care.
- Lawmakers amended the Mental Health Act to guarantee access to an independent rights adviser for anyone detained, including those under 19.
- Officials say more than 2,000 beds are available for involuntary care and plan additional capacity at the Surrey Pretrial Services Centre and Alouette Homes, with new facilities coming to Surrey and Prince George.
- Premier David Eby says the goal is to prevent permanent brain injury and deaths, and the chief scientific adviser says involuntary care should be used only when a child’s life or brain is seriously at risk.
- Advocacy groups and about 300 health‑care workers oppose the approach as harmful and discriminatory, while bereaved parents say it offers families a needed chance to intervene.