The BC Conservative opposition is criticizing the contract awarded by the NDP government to its top adviser on mental health and the toxic drug crisis.
Dr. Daniel Vigo was appointed one year ago as the province’s chief scientific adviser for psychiatry, toxic drugs, and concurrent disorders. He is tasked with developing solutions for people affected by mental health issues, addictions, and brain injuries caused by toxic drugs.
Under his contract, Vigo can earn $250,000 per quarter, up to $1 million annually. He is also entitled to an additional 12 percent of his salary to cover administrative fees and expenses.
Claire Rattée, BC Conservative MLA for Skeena, questioned the value of the contract. She said involuntary care was already recognized as necessary before the election. Rattée suggested the government spent $1 million to hire a consultant to confirm what was already known, allowing them to justify their approach as “science-based.” She added, “At the end of the day, it’s a million dollars that could have been spent on treatment.”
Rattée also expressed concern about the contract’s lack of clear results. According to the agreement, Vigo should have submitted three quarterly reports, none of which have been made public.
Elenore Sturko, BC Conservative public safety critic, raised similar doubts. She pointed out that although the government has spent over $1 billion on addiction and overdose emergencies, measurable outcomes are unclear. “We have seen announcements and some piecemeal efforts,” Sturko said. “But what should British Columbians expect from this large expenditure?”
Health Minister Josie Osborne defended the contract, saying the opposition is not presenting the full picture. She explained that the $1 million covers Vigo’s salary, building a team of four, data collection, and legal advice.
Osborne said the adviser’s role is crucial because the drug crisis and the overlap between addiction medicine and psychiatry are rapidly evolving. The province needs expert advice to stay ahead.
“This is a fresh, innovative approach using professional experience to identify those most in need and find solutions,” Osborne said. “We don’t have these experts inside the ministry.”
During his first year, Vigo has provided important guidance to the government. He concluded that the BC Mental Health Act does not require changes to allow involuntary treatment. He also helped create new rules for doctors, outlining when involuntary treatment can be used, all involving mental impairment.
Vigo has supported the opening of two involuntary treatment facilities: one at the South Fraser Pretrial Centre and another at Alouette Homes in Maple Ridge for people outside the justice system. He has also spoken publicly about the province’s involuntary treatment policy.
Rattée said the progress so far does not justify the cost. “They’ve only added 18 beds at Alouette and 10 at Surrey pre-trial,” she said. “That’s a drop in the bucket compared to the scale of the problem. There’s been no movement on voluntary treatment services.”
Last month, the province ended the contract of another adviser, Michael Bryant, halfway through his six-month term. Bryant was hired on a $150,000 contract to consult on policies and services in the Downtown Eastside.
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