The government of British Columbia has announced significant proposed changes to the provincial Mental Health Act, aimed at offering enhanced legal safeguards for front-line health care professionals.
Modernizing Legal Protections
Premier David Eby and Health Minister Josie Osborne unveiled the proposed amendments at the B.C. legislature on Monday, November 24, 2025. The changes are designed to update a section of the act that is over four decades old, which currently provides limited legal protection to workers treating patients under involuntary care.
The officials stated that the existing wording of the legislation has sometimes led to confusion regarding its intent. The new amendments will replace Section 31(1) with a more modern and clearly defined liability-protection provision.
Clarifying the Purpose of Care
Eby emphasized that by strengthening the framework for involuntary care and protecting those who deliver it, the province is taking a crucial step toward supporting vulnerable patients and their families. The goal is to build a more responsive mental health system where no one falls through the cracks.
Health Minister Osborne noted that treating individuals with severe mental health and substance use challenges often requires urgent, informed decisions. The proposed changes are intended to reduce ambiguity in the Act, ensuring that care is provided when a person is unable to seek it themselves.
Expanding Mental Health Infrastructure
The announcement also highlighted the ongoing work to expand mental health facilities across the province. B.C. currently has more than 2,000 mental health beds capable of providing involuntary care as needed, and the government is urgently working to open more.
Recent developments include the opening of 18 involuntary care beds at the Alouette Correctional Centre in Maple Ridge in June. This facility, located inside a women's jail, is designed to provide specialized care for individuals struggling with extreme mental-health challenges and severe brain injuries from repeated drug overdoses. This followed an April announcement of 10 beds opening at the Surrey Pretrial Centre.
Work is also underway to establish other mental health facilities in Surrey and Prince George that will offer both voluntary and involuntary care, further strengthening the province's healthcare network.
