Letter to the Editor
The National Post
March 10, 2007
CTOs are not the best solution
RE: Alberta Eyes Mandatory Care For The Mentally Ill, March 7
People with mental illness are not irresponsible, nor are they all prone to violence. Rather, they are more likely to be victims of violence due to their vulnerability and illness. At times, the proposed treatment is more disabling and debilitating than the illness itself. Psychotropic medications and their side effects can shorten life expectancy and have a negative impact on quality of life.
Ontario has tried the Community Treatment Order (CTO) experiment, but results have been mixed. If Alberta is to move forward with the implementation of CTOs, they must ensure that rights-protection mechanisms are enacted to protect the legal and civil rights of individuals who will be considered for the issuance or renewal of a CTO. The Alberta Mental Health Patient Advocate must be given the resources necessary to provide rights advice and independent advocacy services to individuals being considered for placement on a CTO. Individuals must also have the right to apply for a hearing before an independent review panel, should they wish to challenge the decision to place them on a CTO.
It is our opinion that individuals should not have to surrender their legal and civil rights simply to gain access to mental health services and supports that should already be available to them from a publicly funded health care system. Investing in quality discharge planning services, community-based services and supports and a full range of care and treatment modalities would be a better use of taxpayers’ money and a better way to support individuals with mental illness in their quest for wellness and recovery. Introducing coercive measures and suspending rights are neither progressive nor responsible, and will not resolve the issues.
David Simpson
Director (A)
Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office
Toronto
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