Experts warn of New Brunswick’s proposed forced drug treatment – New Brunswick

A group of experts is sounding the alarm over a proposal from the New Brunswick government that could result in forced treatment for drug addicts.

The experts, from fields including health, criminology and law, say they oppose and condemn a bill that they say would infringe on people’s freedoms by involuntarily arresting and forcibly confining those who use drugs.

In an open letter to the government, experts say the plan is not supported by any scientific evidence and represents an unjustifiable violation of Charter rights.

Public Safety Minister Kris Austin recently said in media interviews that the government is considering legislation that would allow police to force drug users into treatment in “extreme” cases.

Austin was not available for an interview today, but said in an email that he had received the experts’ letter.

He says the bill is in its early stages and the government will have more to say about it before it is finalized.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published September 18, 2023.