Concerns Raised Over $1 Million Contract for Mental Health Adviser in BC

The BC Conservative opposition is speaking out against the contract awarded to Dr. Daniel Vigo, the NDP government’s top adviser on mental health and the drug crisis. The contract, which is worth up to $1 million per year, has raised concerns about the value for money and the lack of deliverables.

A Year in Review: What Has Been Achieved?

It has been one year since Dr. Vigo was appointed as the chief scientific adviser for psychiatry, toxic drugs, and concurrent disorders. During this time, he has been responsible for developing solutions for people suffering from mental health, addictions, and brain injuries due to toxic drugs. However, the BC Conservatives are questioning what has been achieved during this time.

A Hefty Price Tag: Is it Worth it?

Dr. Vigo’s contract allows him to receive $250,000 each quarter he works, up to $1 million for the year. Additionally, he is eligible to receive 12 per cent of his salary as administrative fees or expenses. The BC Conservatives are concerned that this is a waste of taxpayer money, especially when considering the lack of measurable outcomes.

Lack of Deliverables: A Concern for the Opposition

Claire Rattée, BC Conservative MLA for Skeena, has expressed concerns about the lack of deliverables in the contract. She stated that according to the document, Dr. Vigo should have already submitted three quarterly reports, none of which have been made public. This lack of transparency and accountability is a major concern for the opposition.

A Different Perspective: The Health Minister’s Response

BC’s Health Minister, Josie Osborne, has defended the contract, stating that the $1 million is earmarked for Dr. Vigo to build out a team of four people and to cover the cost of data collection and legal advice. She believes that Dr. Vigo’s expertise is necessary to help the province tackle the complex issue of mental health and addictions.

The Progress So Far: Is it Enough?

Dr. Vigo has provided significant advice to the province, including a determination that the BC Mental Health Act does not need to be amended to allow for involuntary treatment. He has also led the development of new guidance to BC doctors, laying out the scenarios under which someone can be treated involuntarily under the Mental Health Act. However, the BC Conservatives believe that the progress made so far is not enough to justify the hefty price tag.

A Comparison: Value for Money?

The BC Conservatives are comparing the contract to other initiatives that have been implemented to address the mental health and addictions crisis. For example, the province has opened two involuntary treatment facilities, one in the South Fraser Pretrial Centre and one in the Alouette Homes in Maple Ridge. However, the opposition believes that these initiatives are just a drop in the bucket and do not address the root causes of the problem.

Conclusion: A Call for Transparency and Accountability

The BC Conservatives are calling for more transparency and accountability in the contract and the initiatives implemented to address the mental health and addictions crisis. They believe that the taxpayer money should be used more efficiently and effectively to address this complex issue. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the mental health and addictions crisis in BC requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach that prioritizes the needs of those affected.

Related News:

• BC government opens more involuntary care beds
• New involuntary care beds are opening in Maple Ridge
• Success of forced addictions treatment lacks evidence, minister says

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