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Bill 196, Justice for Soli Act (Stop Criminalizing Mental Health), 2024

Wong-Tam, Kristyn

Gretzky, Lisa

Stevens, Jennifer (Jennie)

Mamakwa, Sol

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Status

Debates

Original

Bill 196 Original (PDF)

EXPLANATORY

NOTE

The

Bill enacts the Justice for Soli Act (Stop Criminalizing

Mental Health), 2024 . The Act requires the Government of Ontario to

recognize that a correctional facility is not an appropriate environment for a

person experiencing a mental health crisis and that mental illness should not

be criminalized.

Bill 196 2024

Act respecting the use of correctional facilities and mental health crises

Preamble

This

Bill aligns with the first recommendation made by the Ontario Chief Coroner’s

inquest into the death of Mr. Soleiman (Soli) Faqiri. The inquest report

offered 57 recommendations to the provincial government to improve mental

health resources in the criminal justice system. Mr. Soleiman Faqiri was a man

with schizoaffective disorder who was subjected to restraints, pepper spray and

isolation while in prison, which ultimately led to his death. During his time

in correctional facilities, he was awaiting a medical evaluation. He was not

able to see a psychiatrist or have access to hospital resources despite

experiencing an acute mental health crisis. The inquest deemed his tragic and

preventable death a homicide.

Therefore,

His Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of

the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Correctional

facilities and mental health

The

Government of Ontario shall recognize that,

(

a) a

correctional facility is not an appropriate environment for a person

experiencing a mental health crisis; and

(

b) mental

illness requires health care and should not be criminalized.

Commencement

This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short

title

The

short title of this Act is the Justice for Soli Act (Stop Criminalizing Mental Health), 2024 .

Date Bill stage Event Outcome Committee

May 15, 2024

First Reading

Ordered for Second Reading

May 15, 2024

First Reading

Vote

Carried

First Reading

May 15, 2024

Carried

Ordered for Second Reading

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