Moncton Addictions and Mental Health Court program

This new court program in Moncton connects those who are in the justice system because of addictions and mental health challenges with the support they need. The program will launch in April 2026 and will begin operating in Moncton. The program will expand to additional jurisdictions in the future.

The program will aim to:  

• give broader access to treatment  
• prioritize recovery  
• reduce the chances of reoffending  
• improve court efficiency  

People in the justice system may be identified as eligible for the Addictions and Mental Health Court program if: 

• their criminal behaviour is connected to moderate to severe substance use, gambling disorder and/or mental illness  
• they are over 18 years old  
• they're not remanded (incarcerated pre-trial) 
• their offence type is eligible  
• they accept responsibility for the offence  
• their risk can be managed in the community  
• resource capacity and availability exists 
• they have the ability to understand the goals of the program (or have a support person to assist them) 

All summary conviction offences (less serious than indictable offences) are eligible for this program, subject to approval by a Crown Prosecutor. A Crown Prosecutor will refer an individual to the program only if they are satisfied that doing so will not pose a risk to public safety or negatively impact public confidence in the administration of justice. Restrictions will include:  

• individuals with a serious, recent prior record of violence or drug offences 
• sexual offences where the victim is under 16 years old  
• offences where there is a mandatory minimum jail sentence or where the Crown Prosecutor is seeking a jail sentence of more than two years
• or driving-related offences that resulted in bodily harm to the victim 

Examples of summary conviction offences that could make someone eligible for the program include:

• shoplifting as a means to support a substance use disorder
• behaviours such as uttering threats
• nuisance as a result of significant mental illness

The Addictions and Mental Health Court program connects eligible participants with the supports they need the most, including: 

• community addictions and mental health services  
• clinician-supported virtual cognitive behavioural therapy  
• in reach and outreach services  
• withdrawal management  
• opioid agonist treatment  
• intensive day treatment  
• primary health care  
• live-in concurrent disorder treatment  
• emergency services  
• in-patient psychiatric services  
• housing coordinator  
• income assistance