PRINCE GEORGE, B.C.: B.C. Conservative MLAs representing Prince George and northern British Columbia are calling on the provincial government to provide immediate clarity on the status of the involuntary care facility promised for Prince George, warning that continued delays are affecting public safety, community well-being, and economic confidence across the region.
In a letter to Health Minister Josie Osborne, MLA for Prince George-North Cariboo Sheldon Clare requested detailed information on the project’s timeline, capacity, costs, consultation process, and operational plans following repeated public announcements from the NDP government.
Rosalyn Bird, MLA for Prince George-Valemount, says residents and businesses alike are demanding action as communities continue to struggle with the impacts of addiction, mental illness, homelessness, and street disorder.
“Business owners, workers, families, and community organizations in Prince George are all feeling the effects of the growing addictions and mental health crisis,” Bird said. “People want compassionate treatment options, but they also want safer streets and stronger support systems. The government needs to stop making announcements and start providing clear timelines and accountability.”
Kiel Giddens, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie, said involuntary care capacity is urgently needed throughout British Columbia, including in northern communities that have historically been underserved.
“British Columbia as a whole needs more psychiatric care beds, including involuntary care, and the North is no exception,” said Giddens. “Northern communities deserve the same access to treatment infrastructure and mental health resources available elsewhere in the province. The current situation is putting tremendous strain on frontline workers, healthcare providers, local governments, and local businesses.”
Sheldon Clare said local governments and employers are increasingly concerned about the ongoing impacts of untreated addiction and mental illness on public safety and economic stability.
“Families and businesses across northern B.C. are dealing every day with the consequences of severe addiction, untreated mental illness, brain injuries, homelessness, and repeat offending,” said Clare. “The NDP government announced this facility with significant fanfare, but months later communities are still waiting for basic information. Northerners deserve transparency, accountability, and action.”
The provincial government previously announced that Prince George and Surrey would host a combined total of 100 involuntary care beds as part of its response to the escalating mental health and addictions crisis in British Columbia.
Despite references to involuntary treatment beds in Budget 2026 and additional public comments from Premier David Eby earlier this year, few concrete details about the Prince George facility have been released and there is no defined plan for funding.
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