The Okanagan Needs Mandatory Compassionate Care

Leaving people suffering on our streets without a real pathway to treatment is not compassion.

And it isn’t fair to families, businesses and residents who deserve to feel safe when they use our public spaces.

We need a treatment-first approach

People who are trying to get to a better place in life should always have access to support, treatment and a path forward. But when someone’s mental-health or addiction challenges make them a danger to themselves or others, intervention may be necessary.

The Okanagan Correctional Centre near Oliver has more than 400 units and remains half empty. Okanagan mayors and the Osoyoos Indian Band have called on the Province to advance the site as part of the solution.

We should use the secure capacity we already have rather than waiting years for a new facility to be built.

If you believe people experiencing severe addiction and mental-health challenges deserve a real pathway into treatment and recovery, add your name to the petition today.