Brampton mulls forced treatment for addictions, mental health [Video]

As Peel Region deals with an ongoing toxic drug crisis, Brampton’s mayor is proposing a controversial idea to Ontario’s government, asking the province to allow for involuntary treatment of people dealing with mental health and addictions issues.

At a news conference Thursday, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown called on the province to implement a pilot project that would allow first responders in Peel Region to put people suffering from severe addictions, mental health disorders and brain injuries in a psychiatric facility against their will — if deemed necessary by a doctor.

That would require changes to the province’s Mental Health Act, something the premier says he could …