Jamie Sarkonak: Reopen the asylums
The article discusses the ongoing issue of individuals with severe mental health issues being released into the community, highlighting cases like the Tumbler Ridge shooter and the Alberta father who harmed his daughter, emphasizing the need for better mental health interventions.
In the article, Jamie Sarkonak addresses the troubling trend in Canada of releasing individuals from psychiatric detention despite their violent behavior. He brings to light the case of an Alberta father who severely injured his daughter but was granted bail, showcasing the system's failure when vulnerable individuals are put at risk. Following his bail, the father made social media posts acknowledging his guilt, questioning how such individuals can be allowed to roam freely while their mental health issues remain unaddressed.
Sarkonak also references the Tumbler Ridge shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar (also known as Strang), who was apprehended multiple times over the years for mental health concerns. After a tragic shooting incident, it was revealed that he had previously been evaluated under British Columbia’s Mental Health Act. This case further illustrates the systemic gaps in the mental health care and judicial system that fail to protect both the community and those struggling with mental illness.
The article underscores the necessity of reopening asylums or mental health facilities, suggesting that more robust mental health infrastructure is crucial for both treatment and public safety. Sarkonak argues that allowing individuals with severe mental health problems access to the community without adequate support risks repeat incidents of violence, highlighting a critical need for reform in how society addresses mental health crises and responds to dangerous behavior.