SURREY, B.C. (Rajeev Sharma)— CentreBC Leader Elenore Sturko has announced a proposed mental health and substance-use treatment plan that would expand detox services, increase recovery beds and create specialised housing for people with severe cognitive impairments linked to overdoses and other causes.
Under the party’s platform, CentreBC aims to add 150 detox beds and 500 treatment and recovery beds by 2030, with new facilities opening as staff are recruited. The plan also sets a target of providing same-day detox services for urgent cases by 2028 and ensuring people can access treatment within 14 days by 2030, with connections to recovery housing.
Sturko said addressing mental health challenges and addiction requires compassion, accountability and timely access to appropriate care. She said the proposed measures are intended to widen treatment options and help people receive support as they work towards recovery.
The platform also proposes expanding access to detox outside traditional residential facilities. By 2029, the party aims to enable up to 5,000 people annually to undergo detox at home or in local clinics, supported by nurses and doctors. The approach is intended to offer an alternative for people who might otherwise face delays while waiting for an available bed.
Treatment Services Planned for Correctional Facilities
CentreBC has also outlined plans to introduce voluntary addiction treatment and counselling in every provincial correctional centre by 2029. The proposal would build on recovery units included in the party’s broader public safety platform.
For people with complex mental health and addiction needs, the party proposes adding approximately 50 beds at the Red Fish Healing Centre, a specialised facility in British Columbia. The expansion would be accompanied by safeguards governing involuntary care, with the first additional beds targeted to open in 2029.
The plan also calls for an expansion of the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital at Colony Farm by approximately 80 beds for people referred through the courts.
To support people transitioning out of institutional care, CentreBC has linked the proposal to 400 complex-care homes outlined in its public safety plan. The homes are intended to provide accommodation and support for people who need ongoing assistance.
New Housing Proposed for People With Severe Cognitive Impairments
Another component focuses on people living with severe, long-term brain injuries or cognitive impairments associated with overdoses, head injuries or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
CentreBC proposes creating specialised facilities called Intensive Housing, offering round-the-clock nursing care, medication assistance and help with daily activities.
The party plans to seek federal funding from Ottawa to construct the homes, while the provincial government would contribute land and cover care costs. Its target is to have approximately 300 such places available by the 2030–31 fiscal year.
The proposals form part of CentreBC’s wider approach to mental health care, addiction treatment and public safety. The party has published its platform online, setting out the targets and proposed timelines for the planned measures.
The commitments remain proposals under the party’s platform. Their implementation would depend on the party forming government and proceeding with the necessary funding, staffing and service arrangements.
The full platform is available at www.centrebc.ca/platform.
