Controversial legislation that could see some drug users forced into treatment is being delayed.
The Higgs government had planned to introduce the Compassionate Intervention Act in the legislature this spring.
But Sherry Wilson, the minister responsible for addictions and mental health, said Friday that is no longer the case.
“We are 100 per cent committed to introducing this legislation, but in our discussions and consultations, it was clear more time is required to ensure we get this right,” Wilson said in a social media video.
“As such, it will not be introduced this spring.”
The government has said the proposed legislation would allow judges and hearing officers to order treatment “in extreme cases” for those struggling with addiction and “unable to meet their own basic needs.”
However, critics argue that research shows forced treatment is unsuccessful when it comes to helping people who struggle with addiction.
“It’s not helpful to force someone into treatment against their will when they’re not ready, or willing to seek that kind of treatment,” Harini Sivalingam, director of the equality program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, told our newsroom last fall.
Sivalingam said only in the most extreme circumstances should it be used as a punishment or a safety measure, such as sending someone to prison or confining them to a mental institution to protect themselves and others.
Our government continues to work hard to support people struggling with serious addiction issues in our province.
The proposed Compassionate Intervention Act is one of the tools we are creating to assist in extreme cases where someone is acting in a way that puts themselves or… pic.twitter.com/VPThMPX4Rx
— Government of NB (@Gov_NB) May 3, 2024
