Ontario Premier Doug Ford has indicated that he would consider introducing involuntary treatment for people struggling with addiction. His comments come as Ontario’s Big City Mayors renew calls for the provincial government to review current mental health legislation and explore broader use of mandatory treatment.

“I’d be open to it as long as we can help them and help the communities,” he said. The provincial government has been studying involuntary mental health and addiction treatment in jails, but has not initiated any corresponding legislation. “Do we force these people into treatment? We have a duty as a society to take care of these people and make sure they get the help that they need, but I want to have that discussion with the mayors right now because they’re very, very frustrated,” Ford added.

Although Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones has not dismissed the possibility of involuntary treatment, she has repeatedly expressed a preference for voluntary care and said the province is seeking expert input. Two years ago, Ontario’s Big City Mayors urged the government to review the Mental Health Act and the Health Care Consent Act, which permit involuntary hospitalization under certain circumstances. The group is now renewing its push for changes as concerns over addiction and mental health continue.

According to a recent CBC analysis, during the first five months of 2026, suspected opioid poisoning calls rose sharply across several Ontario cities compared with the same period in 2025. Thunder Bay recorded a 20% increase and Hamilton a 199% surge, while non-fatal opioid overdose calls in Toronto climbed by nearly 115%. Ottawa Paramedic Services also reported a 52% rise in overdose-related calls, including those involving substances other than opioids.

“The reality is the crisis continues to worsen, and more people than ever are struggling across our province,” the Big City Mayors said in a released statement. “Lives are at stake and the time to act is now.”