In memory of a cherished son, lost tragically due to seemingly avoidable circumstances, this petition is born out of a deep personal sorrow, and a plea for justice. We urge Ontario Premier Doug Ford to open the Healthcare and Mental Healthcare Acts of Ontario for updates and revisions. Our plea is not only for our son, but for the countless others who may suffer the same fate due to what we perceive as outdated aspects of these Acts.

We have 2 primary recommendations:

1 -  introduce a system where every patient can have an ADVOCATE to help them navigate through the health care system with the ability to help make decisions, could be a family member.

2 - help patients who refuse treatment to better educate them on what they are saying no to, and build it into a compassionate care system to ensure treatment is provided.

These Acts have seen little change since their inception, despite the evolution of healthcare practices worldwide. We, families and individuals affected, urge that these Acts be reevaluated in the light of modern understanding of both physical and mental health. We believe this could lead to more efficient, comprehensive and empathetic healthcare services, potentially saving countless lives.

In 2018, more than 1 in 5 Canadians experienced a mental health issue or illness (Canadian Mental Health Association). With such staggering numbers, it is imperative that our healthcare systems evolve to properly address and treat these diseases.

Throughout the years, many similar cases can be found within Ontario, of families seeking justice for their loved ones, victims of what we perceive as a system failure. It’s not too late to enact the needed changes, saving future families from the anguish we have experienced.

Sign this petition to urge Ontario Premier Doug Ford to revisit the Healthcare and Mental Healthcare Acts of Ontario. Let's not lose more lives due to outdated legislations