Opinion: Vancouver plebiscite should press candidates on mental-health policy

A guest opinion published by Daily Hive argues that Vancouver’s proposed public-safety plebiscite should push municipal candidates to explain their positions on severe mental illness, treatment and housing.

On Aug. 14, Vancouver City Council directed staff to add two non-binding questions to the 2026 civic-election ballot. They would ask about strengthening rules against public open-air hard-drug use and about creating a secure medical facility with at least 100 involuntary-treatment spaces at the former St. Paul’s Hospital site.

The article was written by Jack Middleton, board president of the BC Schizophrenia Society. He says the proposed facility requires careful study, but argues the city needs more services and beds for people living with mental illness. He also says voters should know where candidates stand on voluntary and involuntary treatment, housing and wraparound supports.

The opinion notes that the Supreme Court of B.C. recently struck down key provisions of the BC Mental Health Act concerning involuntary treatment. It calls for municipal leadership on crisis response, early intervention, accessible care, supported housing and consultation with people with lived experience and family caregivers.

The piece presents the plebiscite as a way to build public discussion and a voter mandate, while acknowledging that it is not a complete solution. The questions are non-binding.