Alta. considering legislation on involuntary treatment for some drug users

The potential change in would give police, as well as the family members or legal guardians of drug users, rights to refer adults and youth to involuntary treatment if they pose risks to themselves or others. The legislation would be the first involuntary treatment law in Canada to target addiction specifically. Some jurisdictions, including Alta., already use mental health law to push people into drug treatment without court orders in exceptionally severe situations but otherwise, adult drug users can refuse assistance. Leaders in other parts of Canada, including B.C., are also debating expanding involuntary treatment for complex mental health and addictions issues, despite controversy around the practice but none have introduced new laws to do so.