Norbert Cunningham: Delayed legislation comes as no surprise

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The government of Premier Blaine Higgs announced last Thursday it’s delaying legislation to force drug addicts into rehabilitation. That follows an open letter from the New Brunswick Psychiatric Association to the premier asking he reconsider because it’ll do more harm than good.

Dr. Mylène Poirier, president of the association, told Brunswick News she was surprised nobody consulted her group. She said it violates human rights which Canada cherishes. Tough words, softened by her speculation the premier may not be aware the plan won’t work and “maybe he’s looking for a quick solution to a big problem, and he doesn’t know what kind of trap he’s falling into.”

I don’t think there’s any “maybe.” Governments are expected to properly consult on all legislation. Premier Higgs must know that. And there have been many well-informed critics of forced treatment, including me, who have raised major concerns and been dismissed with vague platitudes. My perspective is as a reformed addict who knows how readily physical cravings more often than not over-rule rationality.

Addictions require mental health treatment. Dr. Poirier notes it is lacking in resources and funding, with long wait times. Addicts and the suicidal cannot afford wait times. Tragedies occur.

What doesn’t government understand? It’s hyped forced treatment for months, but never gave anything but vague assurances, few details, no expertise, uncertain costs and ignored the obvious violation of charter rights. To date it’s all been vague assurances and statements, a government failure.

Suddenly with time running out before the government recesses in a month, it has delayed passing the controversial Compassionate Intervention Act until after the fall election, assuming it’ll win. Like it or not, it will be an election issue, and the premier will need to explain what the act will say very clearly. It’s still fudging that. Voters deserve to know, before voting.

Norbert Cunningham is a Brunswick News columnist and a retired editorial page editor of the Times & Transcript.