Task force to evaluate the role of community support orders

30 September 2015

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government is creating a task force to evaluate the role of community support orders.

“This is the first step towards fulfilling our commitment to use community support orders to help those suffering from mental illness,” said Health Minister Victor Boudreau. “A task force will ensure a more patient-centred approach to care in our communities.”

The task force will review mental health services in New Brunswick, explore opportunities for alternative interventions and provide insight into the development of a model plan to be submitted to the government for consideration.

The model will respect they key principles adopted in the Action Plan for Mental Health in New Brunswick (2011-2018) which are: dignity, diversity, equality, excellence, holism, hope and partnership.

Matthew Tweedie, a Fredericton-based lawyer and partner with Cox and Palmer, has been appointed chair of the task force. Representatives from the regional health authorities, the New Brunswick Psychiatric Association, individuals with lived experience, representatives from families, a First Nations representative and officials of the Department of Health will also be part of the task force. The task force will aim to complete its work by the end of 2016.
Media Contact(s)

Bruce Macfarlane, communications, Department of Health, 506-444-4583.

NT5