BC Conservative Leader John Rustad on Sunday slammed Premier David Eby and the BC NDP “for their blatant inconsistency on the critical issue of involuntary care for individuals suffering from severe mental health and addiction issues.”
Rustad said the NDP’s recent pivot on involuntary care policies comes after his party boldly advocated for implementing such measures.
“David Eby’s government is once again proving that it is more interested in political posturing than in taking decisive action to address our province’s urgent public health crisis,” Rustad said. “For years, the NDP ignored the calls for involuntary care, leaving families helpless and those suffering on the streets. Parents and family members desperate for help and intervention for their loved ones were abandoned by the NDP for seven years. Now, after our party clearly outlined a plan to bring compassion and accountability to addiction treatment, Eby is suddenly pretending to be on board. This kind of flip-flopping only demonstrates a lack of leadership and vision.”
The Conservative Party of BC has consistently pushed for policies that prioritize the health and safety of individuals suffering from severe mental illness and addiction. Rustad’s proposal includes robust involuntary care measures, focused on providing the necessary support to those who cannot seek help independently due to their condition. The Conservative plan emphasizes treatment, recovery, and community reintegration, moving beyond mere rhetoric to action that saves lives.
Rustad added: “David Eby is a premier who has focused on enabling addiction, easing access, and removing accountability with extreme harm reduction practices and decriminalization while failing to provide the required treatment resources and recovery supports. The BC NDP’s constant back-and-forth is hurting vulnerable people who need real support, not empty promises. The safety of our communities and the well-being of those struggling with severe addiction should never be subjected to political games.”
Rustad emphasized that the Conservative Party’s stance on involuntary care is rooted in compassion and evidence-based practices, aimed at protecting individuals who are unable to make decisions for themselves due to their circumstances. The party’s proposals include safeguards to protect individual rights while ensuring that those in need receive the care and support they deserve.
“British Columbians deserve a government that leads with integrity, consistency, and a commitment to meaningful action,” Rustad said. “The Conservative Party of BC will continue to champion policies that address the root causes of the crisis facing our province, rather than bending with the political winds.”
