Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown’s recent call for the provincial government to implement involuntary treatment for individuals with severe addictions has ignited fierce opposition from mental health and substance use experts. Advocates argue that forced intervention could do more harm than good and may even be “incredibly dangerous.”
During an October 3 news conference, Brown proposed a pilot program in Peel Region that would allow medical professionals to force people struggling with severe addiction, mental health issues, or brain injuries into treatment. This followed an October 9 council meeting, where the City of Brampton unanimously passed a motion supporting the mayor’s call and formalizing the request to the provincial government.
While Brampton City Councillor Rowena Santos and others have voiced support, comparing involuntary intervention to emergency care for a heart attack, experts and advocates, like Kathy Moreland, have expressed deep concerns. Moreland, a retired nurse who lost her son to a fentanyl overdose, believes the approach is misguided and counterproductive.
Citing studies, including a review from the Canadian Journal of Addiction, which found no strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of involuntary treatment for substance use disorders, Moreland and others argue that forced intervention may lead to worse outcomes.
Experts Warn of Human Rights Risks
Dr. Dan Werb, Chair in Mental Health and Substance Use at the University of Toronto’s St. Michael’s Hospital, echoed the dangers, noting that similar programs globally have resulted in documented human rights abuses. Werb referenced a 2020 United Nations call for the closure of compulsory drug treatment centers, citing forced labor and denial of proper care.
In Peel, police data shared by the City of Brampton highlighted the strain on emergency services. Between January 2020 and June 2024, Peel Regional Police responded to nearly 34,000 mental health and addiction crises, with multiple apprehensions costing millions in overtime. However, experts like Werb argue that policing is not the solution and that it diverts resources from more effective interventions, such as mental health and housing support.
A Broader Conversation Needed
Despite support from some local officials, Peel Regional Council stopped short of backing Brown’s proposal, opting instead for a roundtable discussion to explore best practices. Critics like Michelle Bilek of the Peel Alliance to End Homelessness believe the mayor’s push is more about optics than real solutions, potentially marginalizing already vulnerable populations.
Dr. Abe Oudshoorn of Western University emphasized the need for supportive housing as a more sustainable approach to the addiction crisis. He pointed out that without stable housing, individuals are unlikely to maintain sobriety or mental wellness, regardless of treatment efforts.
As the debate unfolds, the focus now shifts to whether the province will entertain Brampton’s request for a pilot program or pursue alternatives grounded in housing and voluntary treatment. Experts warn that without addressing underlying issues like toxic drug supplies and long waitlists for voluntary services, the crisis will likely continue unabated.