Alberta's mental health system scrutinized

Alberta's mental health system was called into question during a hearing into a deadly encounter between an RCMP officer and a paranoid schizophrenic.

Two years ago , Corp. Jim Galloway, 55, was killed following a lengthy standoff that also ended in the death of 41-year-old Martin Ostopovich.

Cpl. Jim Galloway

Family members of Ostopovich say they feel failed by the system because he was released from the hospital despite what they claim were clear risks he could cause harm to himself or others.

Ostopovich was delusional and paranoid and if he wasn't taking medication for his condition, heard voices in his head.

The fatality inquiry was told that Ostopovich's doctor was concerned what would happen if his patient went off his medication.

"We lost two human beings to a tragedy that should not have happened," said Ostopovich's sister, who declined to have her name published during the inquiry into her brother's death.

The family said Alberta should consider changing its rules to force people, in certain circumstances, to take medication.

The family also decried the services available to the mentally ill in Alberta, and said they're woefully lacking. They said none of the agencies they contacted were able to help them when they needed it and eventually they were forced to call police because of threats of violence uttered by Ostopovich.

The inquiry heard that Ostopovich was arrested and hospitalized after police found a large stash of weapons in his possession. The hospital however released him of his own accord.

"You know our family is a perfect example of what can happen in a very tragic situation, if people are not medicated properly," said Ostopovich's sister.

She says the province needs to give psychiatrists greater power over their patients, when a patient is ill to the point of not knowing what's in their best interests.

Alberta's mental health service was roundly criticized following the deadly incident between Galloway and Ostopovich.

Peter Portlock, executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association of Alberta, said earlier there have been only minor changes since the shooting to prevent the likelihood of further such incidents.

"Programs have expanded in the regions and outlying communities," he said. "What we don't have yet is the sufficient recognition of the dollars needed to turn the mental health system around."

Porlock says there is little follow up to ensure people who are returned to the community from hospital settings are taking the appropriate medication and getting care.