VICTORIA, B.C. – In response to Premier David Eby’s announcement of a forthcoming review of British Columbia’s Mental Health Act, the BC Greens are renewing the call for immediate and comprehensive reform to the Act.
“Our thoughts are with the Filipino community in Vancouver and around the world as they grieve and begin to heal following the devastating events at the Lapu Lapu Festival,” said Jeremy Valeriote, Interim Leader of the BC Greens and MLA for West Vancouver–Sea to Sky.
“The BC Greens welcome the Premier’s announcement—this action is long overdue. There is no excuse for what happened, and it’s unfortunate that this tragedy was the catalyst for long-delayed action on mental health reform.”
The BC Greens have been calling for a full public review of the Mental Health Act since 2021, aligning with recommendations from the Select Standing Committee on Health, the Special Committee to Reform the Police Act, the Representative for Children and Youth, the provincial Ombudsperson, and numerous legal and mental health organizations.
“Despite numerous amendments to the Mental Health Act since passing in 1964, experts agree it is outdated,” said Valeriote. “People in crisis are forced to navigate a fragmented system with treatment waitlists from weeks to months, and supportive housing that can take years to access. At the same time, the Act continues to perpetuate stigma through outdated and coercive approaches.”
As part of the cooperation agreement with the government, the BC Greens are working to expand community health centres that integrate primary and mental health care. However, the Caucus stresses that system-wide reform is needed to meaningfully address the province’s mental health crisis.
The BC Greens are calling for the government’s review of the Act to include:
- Universal mental health care, including psychologist coverage under MSP
- A fourth option for mental health support when calling 911
- The expansion of Crisis Response Community-Led teams
- And, the expansion of the independent Office of the Mental Health Commissioner
“Everyone deserves timely, compassionate, and evidence-based mental health care,” added Valeriote. “This is the moment for real, systemic change in how we treat mental health in BC.”|
Media contact
Ryan Hook
Press Secretary
BC Green Caucus
+1 250-882-6187 | ryan.hook@leg.bc.ca