Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel says there is no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of forcing individuals into addictions treatment, but she will not interfere with provincial decisions to pursue such measures. Her comments come as Alberta introduces legislation that would allow family members, healthcare workers, or police to request court-ordered treatment for someone struggling with addiction.
Similar approaches are being explored in British Columbia and Ontario, particularly within the justice system. These moves have prompted backlash from advocates who argue that governments should instead focus on improving access to voluntary, evidence-based care for those dealing with substance use disorders.
Michel, newly appointed to her role, emphasized that all Canadians deserve access to treatment and support for addiction and mental health, but she cautioned that involuntary treatment lacks a foundation in research and could be counterproductive. While she declined to challenge the authority of provinces to implement their own policies, she reaffirmed her commitment to making mental health and addiction care a top priority at the federal level.