Quebec overhauls mental health laws with controversial involuntary care reforms

Quebec is set to reform its mental health laws with a new bill that relaxes the rules for involuntary hospitalisation. Health Minister Sonia Bélanger introduced Bill 23, which proposes changes to the current criteria under the 1998 P-38 legislation. The government has also allocated $104.4 million over five years to improve mental health services across the province.

The proposed bill would replace the existing requirement of a 'serious and immediate' danger with a broader 'situation where there is a danger' to the person or others. This means individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, even without an immediate threat, could be hospitalised for up to seven days. Police will need approval from a crisis intervention worker before acting, and longer hospital stays will require a review by the Administrative Tribunal of Quebec.

Premier François Legault has stated that the government must take responsibility for ensuring people with mental health issues receive treatment. The reforms follow a December 2023 report by the Quebec Institute for Law and Justice Reform, which recommended improving support services rather than restricting rights. Additionally, patients with diagnosed conditions will now have the option to create a personalised plan for managing major breakdowns. The government's parliamentary leader, Simon Jolin-Barrette, expects Bill 23 to pass before the legislative session ends on June 12. Finance Minister Eric Girard has already earmarked $104.4 million over five years to fund these changes and enhance mental health care across Quebec.

If approved, the new law will mark the first major update to Quebec's mental health legislation in over 25 years. The reforms will allow earlier intervention for those in crisis while introducing stricter oversight for extended hospital stays. The government's funding commitment aims to support both treatment and prevention in the coming years.