Posted by John Rustad
October 08, 2024

BACKGROUNDER

Real Support for Mental Wellness

Every British Columbian deserves access to timely and high-quality mental healthcare. Mental health challenges can happen to anyone, and when they do, people need to know that they’re not alone.

After 7 years of the NDP, too many British Columbians fall through the cracks. People struggling with mental health are faced with excessive waitlists for care, and a lack of integration with other government services. The result? Further health deterioration, and missed opportunities to connect people to the healthcare they need.

Mental health challenges can take many forms, and so must the corresponding healthcare. But one thing is clear: individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others belong in mandatory treatment, not on the streets. The results of the NDP’s activist ideology can be seen in any community in the province.

It’s time for a government that address mental wellness as a core part of our health system, integral to the wellbeing of all British Columbians.

 

Renewing mental health care in BC

The Conservative Party of BC will build a mental health system that is responsive, compassionate, and effective. We will reduce wait times, get people the care they need, involve families, and help caregivers do their jobs. The Conservative Party of British Columbia commits to: 

  • Enforcing maximum wait standards by establishing strict wait-time regulations for critical mental health conditions like schizophrenia, psychosis, and eating disorders, ensuring timely access to care. Waiting for months under the status quo is unacceptable. 
  • Safety for patients and communities by making sure individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others are receiving treatment in secure facilities – not on the streets. The Mental Health Act and involuntary care practices will be reviewed so BC will never have a repeat of Eby’s refusal to place high-risk individuals in secure treatment.
  • Early mental health interventions in schools, which are vital to improving long-term mental health outcomes in children and adolescents. We will work to ensure schools have improved access to mental health professionals. Investing in mental wellness for our youth is investing in a healthier future. 
  • Supporting increased family involvement by increasing treatment opportunities that foster collaborative engagement between patients and families throughout the continuum of care. This holistic approach not only enhances recovery, but also strengthens family bonds.
  • Mental health accountability by establishing an Independent Representative for Mental Health to provide oversight, public reporting, and accountability in our health system. More transparency will result in better outcomes for all British Columbians.

 

Building world-class care infrastructure

The NDP has left our mental health infrastructure underbuilt and underfunded – a clear signal of their lack of seriousness and urgency on mental healthcare. We are committed to creating world-class infrastructure for mental health, encompassing both treatment and housing. The Conservative Party of BC will: 

  • Repurpose and redevelop the Coquitlam Riverview site into a centre of excellence for mental healthcare and addictions recovery, including new secure treatment capacity. We will seek federal partnerships to expedite development and navigate complexities related to the Canada Health Act.
  • Build secure housing units to create safe facilities for the treatment of individuals who pose a risk to themselves, staff, or other patients. This will address urgent care needs while prioritising safety for all.
  • Strengthen mental health services across the province by identifying rural and interior communities with the greatest unmet needs, and making the necessary investments in mental health infrastructure to ensure fair access for all British Columbians.

 

For when care is needed most

In times of crisis, immediate mental health support saves lives. Conservatives will implement compassionate solutions that respond to emergencies quickly and effectively. The Conservative Party of BC will:

  • Integrate mental health response into the 911 system, because a person in crisis should be able to receive support when it’s needed most. We will consult with medical experts and first responders to identify how to best improve rapid access to mental health support.

Expand Peer-Assisted Care Teams to alleviate pressure on emergency services and provide immediate support to those in need.