Rich contacted our office from a facility where he was being detained under the Mental Health Act. Among other concerns, he told us he was not allowed to use the phone.

When we investigated, we were told by staff that because of a COVID-19 outbreak, use of the communal phone was restricted. This concerned us as denying involuntarily detained people access to the phone could be contrary to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. After speaking with staff, we were told that denying Rich access to the phone was an error. Staff at the facility committed to notifying facilities across Fraser Health that residents must be able to access the phone during COVID-19 outbreaks.