Manitoba's mental health minister not in charge of Mental Health Act at least, not yet

Manitoba'snew minister devoted to mental healthdoes not haveauthority over the government's Mental Health Act.

Most aspects of the legislation, which establishes how patients in psychiatric facilities areadmitted and treated, will be overseen by the minister of health and seniors, according to an order in council dated last week.

That leaves out Audrey Gordon, who thegovernment says is responsible for mental health. Shewas appointed minister forthe newly created department of Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery in last week's cabinet shuffle.

The government defended itself in an email, stating "government ministry reorganizations like this take time" and the minister in charge of the Mental Health Act is being reviewed.

Paul Thomas, a professor emeritus of political studies at the University of Manitoba, said the shuffling of responsibilities deserves to be scrutinized.

"Some people will say that this is just housekeeping, you'll clean this up eventually," Thomas said. "But there is a principle that's involved here."

Mental health portfolio divided

Our political systemdepends onministersbeing the point person for theirportfolios, he said.

"If they're not really in charge, they're not in a position to answer, andthe whole system depends on answerability."

Thomas said the pandemicexacerbated some people's mental health challenges by forcing people to isolate.He said the public is likely assured by the Progressive Conservativescreating a ministry to deal with the problem, and he hopes it will be met with action.

For now, Gordon, the first-term SouthdaleMLA, isresponsible for laws that restrict smoking, recognize caregivers, support youth dealing with substance abuse and govern theAddictions Foundation of Manitoba, the order in council said.

A government spokesperson described the responsibility shakeupas an "initial 'sort' of the statutes based on the cabinet shuffle, and will continue to refine the listing as it prepares for Budget 2021."

The province offeredsome idea of the new department's purpose in a news releaselast week.

It said the department is tasked withdeveloping a whole-of-government approach to providing mental health policy and program supports, as well as devisinga provincial mental health, addictions and recovery plan.

Some decisions can be made without changing legislation.

NDP mental health and addictions critic Bernadette Smith questions whether the government is committed to solving the mental health crisis when Gordon is being handcuffed, she said.

"I think without full control over the mental health services and providers in our province, it's hard for this minister to make any real impact," Smithsaid.

"I don't understand why the premier isn't letting this minister do her job."

Gordon told CBC Manitoba'sInformation Radioin an interview last week she's personally investedin connecting people with the mental health supports they need.

"I want to be sure that an individual is accessing the right array of services and to ensure this is very important to me that we ensure that treatment is culturally relevant and appropriate for the individual," said Gordon.

Last week, shebecame the first Black person appointed to cabinet. She was bornin Jamaica and moved to Manitoba as a child.

An expanded job description for Gordon is expected when the province releases mandate letters for each minister. No timeline has been announced.