NDP Involuntary Care Plan Another Broken Promise to Families Desperate to Help Loved Ones with Addictions

"Parents across British Columbia have begged this government for help as their loved ones, including children as young as 13-years-old, are dying, or suffering from brain damage, as a result of long-term drug use and multiple overdoses.” ~~ Elenore Sturko, MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale, Critic for Solicitor General and Public Safety

David Eby and the NDP have made it clear they will not live up to their campaign promise to provide long-term involuntary treatment solutions for individuals suffering from addictions.

The NDP announcement on March 12, 2025 was a clarification of guidance for healthcare practitioners on BC’s Mental Health Act, merely emphasising short-term intervention, without offering sustained addictions treatment.

“Yesterday’s announcement made it clear that David Eby’s NDP Government will not be providing involuntary addictions treatment for British Columbians,” stated Claire Rattée, Conservative MLA for Skeena and Critic for Mental Health and Addictions.

“David Eby has clearly turned his back on his campaign promise to provide involuntary addictions treatment for the citizens of this province,” MLA Rattée added.

Dr. Daniel Vigo, a key figure advising the NDP, clarified that the government’s goal is not to achieve long-term sobriety for struggling British Columbians.

As well as having no long-term involuntary treatment component, the NDP have yet to formulate a framework for ongoing therapy, relapse prevention, or community reintegration.

“To the families of severely addicted adults and youth: The BC Conservative Caucus will continue to fight until every British Columbian gets the access to addictions treatment they need and deserve,” declared Elenore Sturko, Conservative MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale and Critic for Solicitor General and Public Safety.

 

BC Conservatives remain committed to creating a health system that includes compassionate interventions and a spectrum of involuntary treatment options for individuals who are a danger to themselves or others, because of drug use.