TORONTO -The union representing Ontario's correctional and mental health workers applauds an Ottawa judge's ruling that jailing mentally ill people awaiting assessments is unconstitutional.
Last week, Ontario Superior Court Justice Robert Desmarais ruled that the constitutional rights of two mentally ill men were violated when they were detained at the Ottawa-Carleton Regional Detention Centre. The men were waiting for hospital space for psychiatric assessments, and the judge ruled that it is unconstitutional when a person "is
detained for a purpose other than that which is provided for in law."
OPSEU President Leah Casselman, a correctional officer, said the ruling indicates the province must provide more funding for psychiatric facilities.
"For years, we have been telling successive governments that the mentally ill do not belong in jail," Casselman said. "The elimination of forensic psychiatric beds across the province has resulted in those with mental health issues being warehoused in jail. This is simply unacceptable."
Tony Morabito, chair of OPSEU's Mental Health Division, also endorses the ruling.
"As a mental health provider, I know that the mentally ill cannot receive appropriate care while sitting in a jail cell," Morabito said. "My colleagues and I have lobbied for a long time to add beds in the mental health system. Maybe now we will finally see some positive changes for those who are among society's most vulnerable."
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For more information, please contact:
Tony Morabito: (705) 499-5942
Don Ford, OPSEU Communications: (416) 788-9104
