B.C. officials oppose new youth mental health guidelines, citing lack of evidence and weak support systems.

Two B.C. officials have criticized new provincial guidelines expanding involuntary care for youth, citing weak evidence and insufficient voluntary support systems. Human Rights Commissioner Kasari Govender and Representative for Children and Youth Jennifer Charlesworth warned that involuntary detentions—nearly 3,000 annually—may worsen outcomes without strong community-based services. They called for modernizing the Mental Health Act, rejecting claims of readily available alternatives. While Dr. Daniel Vigo defended the guidelines as vital for early intervention, both officials support ongoing legal reform to ensure youth mental health care is rights-based and effective.