Describing the existing legislation as outdated, Newfoundland and Labrador's health minister unveiled a new bill to better serve people suffering from mental illness.

"When enacted, [the act] will be progressive, and most importantly, it will be reflective of the needs experienced by individuals and families affected by the act," Health and Community Services Minister Tom Osborne said Thursday in a statement.

Health and Community Services Minister Tom Osborne said changes to Newfoundland and Labrador's mental health legislation are progressive.
(CBC)

The new act was sparked in large part because of a judicial inquiry into the police-related shooting deaths of two men with histories of mental illness, and poor experiences with the health and justice systems.

The existing act was last changed about 35 years ago, long before the Charter of Rights and Freedoms was adopted, Osborne noted.

The new act will ensure that patients who are involuntarily admitted to the health care system are informed why this has happened, and what their rights are.

In a statement, Peter Ralph, a director of the Consumers' Health Awareness Network of Newfoundland and Labrador, said mental health consumers are pleased with what they've seen in the new act, particularly with representation on a review board.

"This proposed change in the law represents an acknowledgement that consumers and the consumer movement have a unique perspective on mental health issues and that perspective, often ignored in the past, must be heard," Ralph said.

The act would also offer an expanded role for health care providers, especially nurses, as well as for peace officers.

An overhaul of existing legislation was recommended by the Luther inquiry, which reported in 2003 on the deaths of Norman Reid and Darryl Power.

Judge Donald Luther found considerable room for improvement in how the health and justice systems dealt with the Reid and Power cases.

Reid, 44, was shot to death in his yard in Little Catalina on Aug. 26, 2000, following a confrontation with RCMP.

Six weeks later, Power, 23, was shot to death outside his mother's home in Corner Brook by a Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officer.

Osborne noted that more than 350 people participated in public consultations held last year.