Quebec has most not criminally responsible verdicts in country
The recent verdict in the case of Pierre Ny St-Amand, who was found not criminally responsible for crashing a city bus into a daycare in Laval, Que., has sparked controversy and raised questions about the intersection of justice, public security, and mental health care in Quebec.
The verdict, which was met with anger and frustration by some parents of the children impacted by the incident, has reignited a debate around the use of the not criminally responsible (NCR) verdict in Quebec. While the verdict was supported by both the Crown and the defense, many feel that it denies justice to the victims and their families.
Isabelle Gaston, who has been an advocate for changes to the rules around NCR verdicts, believes that there should be stricter rules and greater oversight when it comes to these verdicts. She argues that individuals found NCR should serve a minimum amount of time before they can be released, to ensure public safety.
Dr. France Proulx, a forensic psychiatrist at Montreal’s Philippe-Pinel Institute, explains that the judicial system in Canada specifies that individuals with serious mental illnesses should be treated, not punished. However, the process of determining when a person is ready to be released can be complex, and the level of support and follow-up after release varies.
Quebec has more NCR verdicts than any other province in Canada, but this does not necessarily mean that there are more people with psychiatric illnesses in the province. Rather, it reflects the availability of mental health services and the willingness to use the NCR verdict as a means of accessing care.
Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding NCR verdicts, there have been success stories of individuals who have received treatment and support following their release. However, there is also a need for improvements in the organization and delivery of mental health and forensic psychiatric services to ensure that individuals receive the appropriate care based on their needs and risk level.
The case of Pierre Ny St-Amand highlights the complexities and challenges of the NCR verdict and the need for a comprehensive approach to mental health care and public safety in Quebec. As the province continues to grapple with these issues, it is essential to prioritize the well-being of individuals with mental illnesses while also ensuring the safety and security of the community.
