TORONTO — Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), made the following statement:
CCLA strongly opposes Alberta’s proposed forced treatment law which would allow family members, police, and healthcare workers to mandate involuntary addiction treatment. This legislation violates the fundamental rights of individuals, undermining personal autonomy and the right to make decisions about one’s own body and healthcare.
Involuntary treatment can cause harm, including increased relapse and overdose rates. Coercing individuals into treatment without their consent, based on subjective assessments, is a dangerous step that risks abuse and further stigmatization of vulnerable people.
While addiction is a serious issue, it cannot be solved through forced treatment. The government should focus on voluntary, evidence-based solutions that respect individuals’ rights and dignity. The CCLA urges the Alberta government to abandon this bill and prioritize approaches that support recovery without compromising fundamental freedoms.
The CCLA will always defend the rights of Canadians.
About the Canadian Civil Liberties Association
The CCLA is an independent, non-profit organization with supporters from across the country. Founded in 1964, the CCLA is a national human rights organization committed to defending the rights, dignity, safety, and freedoms of all people in Canada.
For the Media
For further comments, please contact us at media@ccla.org.
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