The past week has been emotionally charged. We were touched by the tragic events in Amqui and Montreal and are wholeheartedly with those affected by these inexcusable acts.
In the face of desolation, it is normal to seek solutions that would reduce the risks of such tragedies. Several solutions mentioned in recent days would violate the rights of all people living with a mental health problem, as if it were a homogeneous and presumed dangerous group.
In response, a minister thought aloud about the idea of withdrawing driving licenses from people with mental health problems. The Prime Minister suggested that the population monitor and report people around us who “show worrying signs”. The National Director of Mental Health and Forensic Psychiatry Services at the Department of Health and Human Services, Dr.r Pierre Bleau, said on Radio-Canada, with a touch of reproach, that “in Quebec, we have privileged human rights, to the detriment of many things”.
Regardless of the forum chosen, we are told about mental health. We talk to psychiatrists who repeat that their work would be easier if they could hospitalize more citizens living with a mental health problem, with or without their agreement. While the word was offered neither to the main interested parties nor to the associations which carry their word.
We strongly denounce the comments in this direction that have been made in recent days. This sensationalism oversimplifies complex issues, which have origins as diverse as the individuals involved.
They have the effect of fueling prejudice, they contribute to the stigmatization of people who live in distress and nourish the feeling, unfortunately still very present among the population, that attacking human rights is the solution to protect society.
Contrary to what one seems to think, coercive measures such as forced hospitalizations and treatment are on the rise. Although we hear that they are very difficult to obtain, remember that they are accepted in more than 95% of cases.
Even today, there are few alternatives to hospitalization in our health system and funding for community services is clearly insufficient. This was, however, a necessary condition for the success of the (unfinished) deinstitutionalization that had been initiated in the 1960s. Admittedly, the Minister implemented certain measures in the 2022-2026 Interdepartmental Mental Health Action Plan. However, the investment of $2 million distributed in the Crisis Intervention Services of Quebec takes on the appearance of drawer funds once distributed. Note also that this type of service does not cover the entire territory of Quebec.
It is crucial, now more than ever, that the State invest seriously and significantly in the services offered by the community.
We also consider it essential that we ensure that a person in distress can have access to a variety of services that can respond to their situation, both in town and on the outskirts, and in rural areas and far from major centres. To do this, it is important that the Department of Health and Social Services invest in diversified mental health approaches, particularly in the community setting, but also in the public system.
Violating the rights of people living with a mental health problem can only accentuate the problems. Stop calling for more coercion on them. On the contrary, let us give them the floor and above all, let us listen to them. Let us offer them services that respect their human rights and are worthy of Quebec and its citizens.
* Co-signatories: François Winter, member of the board of directors of the Association of intervention groups in defense of mental health rights in Quebec (AGIDD-SMQ) and director of the A-DROIT of Chaudière-Appalaches; Carole Lévis, President of the Board of Directors of the Regroupement des ressources alternatives en santéALE du Québec (RRASMQ) and member of the Collectif des Laurentides in mental health; Anne-Marie Boucher, co-coordinator of RRASMQ; Myriam Lepage-Lamazzi, coordinator of the Youth and Mental Health Movement