November 2, 2009 (2009 Hansard page 1666)

Introduction of Bills

Bill 59 - Mental Health Amendment Act, 2009

The Speaker: The hon. Member for Edmonton-Meadowlark.

Dr. Sherman: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to rise and request leave to introduce first reading of Bill 59, the Mental Health Amendment Act, 2009.

This bill supports the implementation of community treatment orders by clarifying, firstly, the role of psychiatrists in issuing and overseeing community treatment orders; secondly, the criteria that will be considered by mental health review panels when reviewing community treatment orders; and the Mental Health Patient Advocate’s legal authority to access records and information for investigations involving community treatment orders. Mr. Speaker, these community treatment orders will enable individuals to maintain their mental health treatment in the community. These orders will be introduced when the remaining sections of the Mental Health Amendment Act, 2007, are proclaimed, which is expected to occur early next year.

I ask all members to support this bill and to move this bill to the next stage. I move first reading of Bill 59.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

[Motion carried; Bill 59 read a first time]

The Speaker: The hon. Government House Leader.

Mr. Hancock: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that Bill 59 be moved onto the Order Paper under Government Bills and Orders.

[Motion carried]