‘Recovery over punishment’: New Moncton court program announced

New Brunswick has launched a new court program for addictions and mental health.

The Province of New Brunswick has announced a new program for people facing criminal charges for offences that were influenced by substance use disorder and/or mental health issues.

Justice Minister and Attorney General Robert McKee introduced the Moncton Addictions and Mental Health Court Program in front of a packed hotel ballroom that included many politicians and heads of community agencies.

“I am convinced by emphasizing support, accountability, compassion and recovery over punishment we can, and will, make a difference in our community,” said McKee.

McKee, who is also minister responsible for addictions and mental health services, said the program will help individuals facing criminal offences that were influenced by their addiction and/or mental illness by connecting them with dignified and effective treatment.

The program is based on diversion models and will work through the collaboration of crown prosecutors, defence council, probation officers and other members of the court system and addiction and mental health providers.

People facing charges can be referred to a new position, court health navigator, which is a person with significant experience in the field of addiction and mental health.

“We’re looking at finding new ways to give them the help and the treatment that they need and deserve, and ultimately keep them from coming back to court and lessen the burden on the courts that way,” said McKee.

It will only be available to those charged with summary conviction offences subject to approval by a crown prosecutor who doesn’t believe the offender will be a risk to the public.

Only adults will be able to access the voluntary program.

McKee said it’s no secret Moncton is experiencing challenges with homelessness, substance use disorders and mental illness, and the community feels it in negative ways such as assaults, break and enters and thefts.

“Many of you here today have had firsthand experience with these situations,” said McKee.

John Wishart, the retired CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton, said he was heavily involved in the establishment of a task force on homelessness and downtown security in 2021.

The task force published a joint action plan to address the growing issue of homelessness, addiction and mental health in Moncton, and a mental health court program was recommended for the city.

“Today, our patience has been rewarded,” said Wishart.

Wishart said judges and Crown prosecutors repeatedly told the task force they see the same people week after week, offence after offence, returning to the streets and reoffending again.

“It’s critical that we break the cycle. The cycle of individuals suffering from mental health or addiction challenges who commit an offence and go through our judicial system without adequate diversionary and treatment options to break that cycle,” said Wishart.

Humanity Project founder Charlie Burrell thinks there’s a definite need, but would like to see more.

“I think we’re also going to have to strengthen our addiction and mental health supports within the city so that when people get sentenced they have a place to go,” said Burrell. “I think it could save a lot of taxpayers’ dollars and save a lot of time with people bouncing in and out of the court system if they can get the help they need the first time.”

Harvest House Atlantic executive director Leon Baker called Monday’s announcement fantastic.

“Much needed for Moncton, for our community. How this is going to serve the integration for mental health and addiction with the court system in place for, this is a win all around,” said Baker.

The program does have restrictions including, those with a recent record of serious violence or drug offences, sexual offences involving a victim under the age of 16, offences where there is a mandatory minimum jail sentence or where the Crown is seeking a sentence of more than two years and finally driving-related offences where the victim was physically harmed.

Criminal behaviour must be associated with moderate to severe substance use, a gambling disorder or mental illness in order to be eligible.

The program is scheduled to begin in March 2026 and McKee said it’s possible it could expand to other parts of the province.

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