BC Conservative MLA Elenore Sturko Introduces Mental Health Amendment Act to Prevent Further Tragedies

"As the provincial government considers expanding involuntary care, the Mental Health Amendment Act of 2025 provides a practical and compassionate improvement to mental health assessments with enhanced communication while respecting the rights of individuals and their families.” ~~   Elenore Sturko, MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale, Critic for Solicitor General and Public Safety 

Today, Elenore Sturko, Conservative MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale, introduced the Mental Health Amendment Act of 2025 in the Legislative Assembly of BC. This Bill will strengthen communication between healthcare providers and the close relatives of individuals who are taken to hospitals during mental health crises.

MLA Sturko’s proposed amendments to the Mental Health Act require physicians and nurse practitioners to consult with a near relative, or the individual who provided information leading to an apprehension, before certifying a person under the Act.

Additionally, it requires hospitals provide notice to a near relative before discharging patients and informs them if patients withdraw consent for information sharing.

“Families play a crucial role in supporting their loved ones during mental health crises, yet they are often denied the opportunity to share valuable insight into the health of their loved one,” said MLA Sturko. “This Bill ensures that healthcare providers receive important contextual information that can improve care decisions, prevent suicide and self-harm, and ultimately protect public safety.”

The need for legislative change was underscored by a recent violent incident in Surrey, where a man in drug-induced psychosis committed two home invasions, assaulted a senior, and later attacked a police officer at the Peace Arch Hospital.

Days after the event, a close relative of the suspect contacted MLA Sturko’s office, stating they had crucial information about the individual's escalating mental health crisis… Information that was never sought by police or medical professionals. The Mental Health Amendment Act of 2025 would necessitate such information sharing to prevent further tragedies.

Conservative Party of BC Leader John Rustad expressed strong support for the Bill: “This is a critical step towards ensuring mental health care decisions are made with the best available information. It is time for the provincial government to support common-sense changes that save British Columbian lives and protect the public. I urge all members of the Legislative Assembly to support this Bill and take meaningful action to address BC’s growing mental health crisis.”