TORONTO — Harini Sivalingam, Lawyer and Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) made the following statement:
Forcing people into treatment facilities against their will is unconstitutional and unlawful.
The New Brunswick government is wrong to suggest otherwise.
Substance use is in some circumstances an alarming and pressing epidemic. Research shows that compelling people into treatment without their consent is counter productive and harmful. It is dangerous and irresponsible to attempt to legislate people into treatment.
The New Brunswick government should respond to this public health crisis based on sound evidence from experts and with respect for fundamental rights.
The CCLA is an independent, non-profit organization with supporters from across the country. Founded in 1964, the CCLA is a national human rights organization committed to defending the rights, dignity, safety, and freedoms of all people in Canada.
About the Canadian Civil Liberties Association
The CCLA is an independent, non-profit organization with supporters from across the country. Founded in 1964, the CCLA is a national human rights organization committed to defending the rights, dignity, safety, and freedoms of all people in Canada.
For the Media
For further comments, please contact us at media@ccla.org.
