Fentanyl killed her son. This is what she thinks of involuntary treatment
CBC
Like many other parents, all Christy Soulliere wanted to do was protect her son Austin Tremblay.
And for years, the Windsor. Ont., mom did everything she could to do just that while also continuing to support him as he struggled with a methamphetamine addiction.
"As a parent watching it, it's excruciating," she said.
"There was times when Austin was homeless because of his addiction and I'd be up all hours of the night, just crying, but knowing I couldn't force him to do something he wasn't ready to do."
That something was going to get treatment.
This month, Ontario's big city mayors called on the provincial and federal governments to provide more tools to tackle the worsening homelessness, mental health and addictions crises. Brampton's mayor specifically called on the provincial government to consider a program that would force people with mental health and addictions issues to get treatment.
In Windsor, city council agreed this week to send a letter to the province expressing interest in any future pilot that involves involuntary care and addresses the worsening crises.
Though the details around what that care is and how long it will last aren't clear, some health experts and advocates are already sounding the alarm.
WATCH: Christy Soulliere shares concerns about involuntary treatment
Over the course of Tremblay's addiction, Soulliere made the hard decision in three separate instances to call police and have them bring him to a hospital against his will. During these moments, Soulliere knew her son needed to be looked after.
In Ontario, if deemed necessary by a doctor, a person can be temporarily held without their permission if they are considered to be dangerous to themselves or others. There is a process involved that allows the person to challenge the decision.
And while there were multiple times Soulliere wanted Tremblay to get treatment before he wanted it, she knew it wasn't going to stick.
But in July 2022, he was ready.
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