The bill establishes the Justice for Soli Act (2025). It states that correctional facilities are not suitable for people with mental health issues. Mental illness should be treated as a health concern, not a crime. The bill is based on recommendations from an inquest into the death of Mr. Soleiman Faqiri, who died in prison after not receiving proper mental health care. The bill officially becomes law once it receives Royal Assent.
This bill aims to improve how mental health issues are handled in Ontario. It encourages replacing prison with health care for people having mental health crises. This can help prevent people from being jailed when they need medical help. If the bill is enforced, people with mental health issues may receive care in hospitals or clinics instead of correctional facilities. This could affect families, communities, and mental health services by shifting resources toward health care rather than prisons.
No publicly available information.
Supporters say the bill will help protect people with mental health problems. They believe it will reduce unnecessary arrests and imprisonment for those in crisis. They argue that mental health issues should be treated with medical help, not punishment. The bill aligns with recommendations to improve mental health care in Ontario’s justice system. However, supporters also note that changing the system will require extra resources for mental health services outside prisons. Data on costs is unavailable.
Opponents might be concerned that the bill does not specify how to fund or implement the change. They may worry that without clear rules, some people could still be inappropriately jailed or that mental health services won’t meet increased demand. Critics could say that closing or altering correctional facilities could have financial and operational impacts. Data on specific criticisms or costs is unavailable.