TORONTO — Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he’s open to the idea of involuntary addiction treatment.

Ontario’s Big City Mayors group recently repeated a request to the province to review existing mental health laws with the idea of expanding involuntary treatment.

The province is currently studying involuntary mental health and addiction treatment in jails, but so far has not proceeded with legislation of any kind.

Homelessness and addictions have spiked across the province since the COVID-19 pandemic and municipalities are facing the brunt of the costs.

Ford says he would be open to the controversial idea so long as it helps people and communities.

While Health Minister Sylvia Jones has not ruled out the idea, she has said on several occasions she prefers voluntary treatment and is consulting with experts on the issue.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 10, 2026.

Liam Casey, The Canadian Press