Release
Department of Justice and Public Safety, Department of Health
June 23, 2025
MONCTON (GNB) – The Moncton Addictions and Mental Health Court Program will begin next year.
“Today’s announcement supports the government’s commitment to expand mental health court access and promote alternative pathways of justice,” said Justice Minister and Attorney General Robert McKee, who is also minister responsible for addictions and mental health services. “This is a huge step in helping those facing criminal charges for offences influenced by their addictions and/or mental illness. By connecting individuals in the justice system with effective and dignified treatment, we are emphasizing support, accountability and recovery over punishment.”
The program will build on court-diversion models and provide broader access to mental health and addictions services. Court navigators will be hired to work directly with Crown prosecutors and people facing charges to assess eligibility. The navigators will also refer participants to appropriate community supports and services, which may include housing. If the treatment plan is completed, charges will be withdrawn.
The program is voluntary and only for those 18 and older.
“Vitalité Health Network is pleased to take part in implementing this new program, which addresses the need to provide adapted access to services for individuals who have been brought before the courts because of their distress,” said Chantal Légère, manager of community mental health services for the health authority’s Beauséjour zone. “By providing support when the need is expressed, and by building on close co-ordination between our teams and the justice system, we are opening a genuine path to recovery.”
To be eligible, a person’s criminal behaviour must be associated with moderate to severe substance use, a gambling disorder or mental illness.
People charged with summary conviction offences are eligible, subject to approval by a Crown prosecutor. A person will be referred to the program only if the Crown prosecutor is satisfied that doing so will not pose a risk to public safety or negatively affect public confidence in the administration of justice. Restrictions will include:
· People with a recent record of serious violence or drug offences.
· Sexual offences involving a victim under 16 years old.
· Offences where there is a mandatory minimum jail sentence or where the Crown is seeking a sentence of more than two years.
· Driving-related offences that resulted in bodily harm to the victim.
“I am confident the establishment of an addictions and mental health court program in Moncton will prove to be a pivotal point in our work to improve the lives of the vulnerable and protect the reputation of our community,” said John Wishart, retired CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton.
McKee said reaching people within the criminal justice system and providing them with treatment and support can help address their underlying addictions and mental health illnesses, which can help break the cycle of repeated arrests and reduce recidivism.
More information on the eligibility criteria and available supports is available online.
Related topics
Media Contact(s)
Jade Emmanuel, communications, Department of Justice and Public Safety, [email protected].