What is involuntary care? And how does it work in B.C.? – CBC

Anyone admitted under involuntary treatment must meet a specific set of criteria, the province says

Sep 29, 2025

Involuntary care. It’s a legal process that has existed for a long time, but has gotten more attention in British Columbia as the province has looked to expand treatment for those suffering from mental illness and addiction.

Involuntary care was put in the spotlight last fall, during the provincial election campaign, when Premier David Eby announced plans to expand that type of care for people with addiction. The B.C. Conservative Party also included involuntary care legislation in its platform.

In March, the province’s recently-appointed chief scientific adviser for psychiatry shared guidance for clinicians who may be making decisions about involuntary care for adults in B.C. with substance-use disorder.

In early June, the province announced 18 new long-term involuntary care beds in a Maple Ridge, B.C., mental health facility.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/involuntary-care-treatment-bc-1.7553745