Field notes.

• Author: Ammann, Mark

In 2009, several of the Health Law Institute's staff had the privilege of working with the Alberta Mental Health Patient Advocate Office and many generous sponsors to organize a workshop entitled "Giving Voice: Advocacy and Mental Health." This one-day forum was held on November 9, 2009 and introduced participants to changes in Alberta's mental health legislation, including the broadening of criteria for involuntary admission to psychiatric facilities, and the introduction of community treatment orders. The forum also provided a unique opportunity to hear from leaders in mental health and law regarding advocacy on behalf of those living with mental illness, or involved in the mental health or justice systems.

The presentations included reviews of Alberta's legislation, discussions of effective advocacy on behalf of those suffering from a mental illness, and more general considerations of individual and organizational ethics. In addition to being struck by the knowledge and passion of many presenters, I was impressed by the enormous challenges inherent in many mental health issues. Those suffering from mental illness are undoubtedly a vulnerable population who can be both stigmatized and marginalized in the healthcare system and wider society. Further, care for those suffering horn a mental illness sometimes involves a challenging balance between protecting individual rights and implementing (or even compelling) necessary treatment.

Like the presentations at our recent conference, the papers in this issue address a variety of topics related to mental health law and policy.

Gerald Robertson's article, "Civil Commitment and the 'Unsuitable' Voluntary Patient" deals with the controversial subject of involuntary commitment to a psychiatric facility. In Alberta, involuntary commitment requires that a patient must be (1) suffering from a mental disorder as...