​​​​​Brampton renews push for a compassionate intervention pilot project in Peel Region, following the City’s call for action in 2024

BRAMPTON, ON (September 15, 2026) – The City of Brampton welcomes Premier Doug Ford’s recent statement that he is open to involuntary treatment for individuals in severe addiction and mental health crisis, and his commitment to consult with Ontario’s mayors on the issue.

Speaking on September 10, Premier Ford said he would be open to the approach so long as it helps “both the individuals involved and their communities”, and that there needs to be a point at which the Province sits down with mayors. The Province is studying involuntary mental health and addiction treatment and recently appointed an Associate Minister of Mental Health.

Brampton’s call for compassionate intervention

In October 2024, Mayor Patrick Brown and the City of Brampton called on the Province of Ontario to implement a pilot project in Peel Region to support individuals living with severe addictions, concurrent mental health disorders and acquired brain injuries. Brampton City Council passed a motion putting the request to the Province in writing.

The request was for compassionate intervention programs for individuals unable to seek care because of the severity of their conditions, connecting them with the essential services they require. The proposal contemplated a process allowing first responders to bring a person to a psychiatric facility where a physician determines it is necessary for that person’s health and safety and the safety of others.

The call was framed around three outcomes: connecting people to care they cannot currently access, easing the burden on emergency services, and improving community safety, while balancing the dignity of the individual.

The case for a pilot project in Peel 

Between January 2022 and July 2026, Peel Regional Police recorded 24,027 apprehensions involving 17,726 individuals, including many individuals who were apprehended repeatedly. This represents an average of approximately 14 apprehensions per day. During the same period, police attended 3,105 overdose incidents, 534 of which were fatal.

From January 2020 to June 2024, 1,754 individuals were apprehended more than once, and 57 more than 10 times. These instances equate to 12,830 officer shifts and more than $12 million in officer time.

During the same period, officers spent more than 30,000 hours waiting in hospital on these calls, time that was not spent in the community. At the time the City initiated its request for intervention, emergency department visits for mental health and addictions in Brampton had risen by 121 per cent since 2010.

The legislative and health care framework for involuntary care, including the Mental Health Act and the Health Care Consent Act, is a provincial responsibility. Brampton’s role is to advocate for the pilot project, the resources and the partnerships required.

Continued advocacy for mental health, addictions and integrated health care

As part of its ongoing advocacy for a stronger, integrated health care network, Brampton continues to call for greater provincial investment to ensure individuals can access the right care and supports when they need them, including compassionate, community-based mental health and addictions care. Learn more about Brampton’s advocacy priorities at brampton.ca/partners.​

Quotes

“I want to thank Premier Ford for being open to this conversation and for committing to sit down with mayors. Brampton first asked the Province for a compassionate intervention pilot in October 2024, because we see every day what happens when someone in severe crisis is not able to ask for help themselves. This is about connecting people to the care they need, easing the pressure on our emergency services and keeping our community safe. I look forward to working with Premier Ford and my fellow mayors to get this done.” - Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

​“Compassionate care means ensuring people experiencing severe mental health and addiction challenges are treated with dignity and connected to the care they need, especially when they may be unable to seek help on their own. We need an integrated health care system that meets people where they are, closes gaps in care and provides a pathway to treatment, recovery and greater stability. We will continue to lend our voice to advocate for those who need support.” - Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 and 5; Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton

​“Peel Regional Police officers are often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing mental health or addiction crises, and we witness firsthand the impact on them, their families and the broader community. Our officers have spent tens of thousands of hours waiting in hospitals on these calls, underscoring the need to connect those at highest risk with the right services and care when they need them most. We are proud to stand with the City of Brampton in calling for a compassionate intervention pilot in Peel Region that helps connect vulnerable individuals with the care and support they need.” - Chief Nishan Duraiappah, Peel Regional Police​​​