I am looking forward to being a panelist with my good friend Zoë Dodd and others discussing involuntary treatment expansion proposals at CMHA’s National Conference this fall.

You can learn more about the Conference and Register here:

https://whova.com/web/4Mlkpyyk6rT1BE8Ej44ImKM0SkSvDzuG7B%40luRnr3mc%3D/

Information About our Session is below:

Ripple Breakout 2: Responding to the Issue of Involuntary Treatment
September 23, 2025
1:45 – 3:15 PM

Involuntary treatment legislation for substance use and addiction is coming to some jurisdictions in Canada and is being discussed in others. This session will explore what is involuntary treatment, how the practice has been unfolding under Mental Health Acts, and how CMHA is expected to engage on this issue. 
Presenters:

• Anita Szigeti – Lawyer practising in Ontario, legal expert on Mental Health Acts  
  Monty Ghosh
  Alberta Health Services
  Zoë Dodd

Anita’s Speaker Bio on CMHA National Conference Webpage

Anita Szigeti

Anita Szigeti Advocates

Founding Lawyer

Description

Anita Szigeti is Canada’s leading mental health justice litigator. She got her LLB at the University of Toronto (1990) and is a member of the bars in Ontario (1992) and Nunavut (2014). She is the founder of a seven-person boutique law firm in Toronto, Anita Szigeti Advocates. She is the co-author of five seminal textbooks on mental health and the law: Canadian Anthology on Mental Health and the Law (2024), Law and Mental Health in Canada: Cases and Materials (2023), A Guide to Consent and Capacity Law in Ontario (2005-2025), A Guide to Mental Disorder Law in Canadian Criminal Justice (2020), Halsbury’s Mental Health Law (2011-2023). She is the founder and President of the Law and Mental Disorder Association (LAMDA) and the founder and Secretary of Women in Canadian Criminal Defence (WiCCD). Teaches Trial Advocacy, U of T Law.

Sessions

Ripple Breakout 2: Responding to the Issue of Involuntary Treatment

September 23, 2025
1:45 – 3:15 PM

Toronto Ballroom III

Currents: Positioning Ourselves as Leaders

Involuntary treatment legislation for substance use and addictions is coming to some jurisdictions in Canada and is being discussed in others. This session will explore what is involuntary treatment, how the practice has been unfolding under and in conjunction with Mental Health Acts, the implications for mental health and human rights, and how CMHA is expected to engage on this issue.

Presenters:

• Anita Szigeti – Lawyer practising in Ontario, legal expert on Mental Health Acts  
• Monty Ghosh (Virtual Presenter)
• Zoe Dodd
• Dr. Alexander Caudarella
• Jonathan Morris (Moderator)

Moderator:

Note: This session may include discussions of sensitive topics that could be emotionally activating or distressing. We recognize that lived experiences vary, and we encourage participants to prioritize their well-being. Peer Support Workers are available at the Peer Support Canada exhibitor booth should you want in-person support, and participants are welcome to step away or engage in ways that feel safe for you.

Speakers

Anita Szigeti
Anita Szigeti Advocates, Founding Lawyer

Monty Ghosh
Internist and Addiction Specialist, Alberta Health Services

Zoë Dodd
Community Scholar, MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael’s Hospital

Dr. Alexander Caudarella
Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

Moderator

Jonathan Morris
CEO, CMHA BC

POST SCRIPT – IT WAS A VERY BIG CROWD!

The session was eye-opening in its candour and my privilege to appear on it with expects on drug use and coercive legislation being introduced across the country in BC, Alberta and likely coming to Ontario.

I didn’t quite realize the size of a CMHA National Conference, nor how many people would be in attendance in our ballroom. It was massive!

I wore my best polish and had a great time playing with Pierre the Support Poodle too!

I am encouraged that CMHA made space for this difficult, nuanced conversation that we should be having more often now with increasing urgency across the country. Until next time!