Mental Health Advisory Council

Following the December 2024 coroner’s inquest into the death of Mr. Abdi, which resulted in 57 recommendations, 28 specifically directed at the Ottawa Police Service (OPS), a significant recommendation was to establish a Mental Health Advisory Council (MHAC).  The Council will serve a broader and more forward-looking purpose. Working in close collaboration the OPS and MHAC will focus on shaping how the service engages with individuals experiencing mental health issues or crises. This partnership not only addresses the immediate recommendations but also presents a critical opportunity to drive meaningful, long-lasting improvements in the way responses to mental health incidents are integrated into policing practices.

The Mental Health Advisory Council has been formed to provide community-informed recommendations for the Ottawa Police Service, where council members will help guide OPS in:

• Developing a coordinated, cohesive, and OPS-wide mental health strategy.
• Improving outcomes when police interact with individuals in crisis.

• Prioritizing available resources to maximize support and improve response outcomes.
• Advising on data collection, research needs, and expert analysis related to mental health and policing in Ottawa.
• Reviewing and providing feedback on OPS policies and procedures, especially as they relate to calls for service involving individuals with mental health challenges.

Meetings:

MHAC members have started holding meetings since September 2025 and continue to meet regularly. The Council is actively providing OPS with input and collaborating on OPS mental health call response system improvements. The main focus of these meetings is reviewing and providing recommendations to OPS regarding interactions with individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. MHAC is actively offering informed perspectives, best practices, and feedback to OPS leadership, including suggestions related to training, education, community engagement, policy development, and other areas. 

Committee Composition:

The Mental Health Advisory Committee (MHAC) consists of 15 members, intentionally selected to reflect lived experience, expertise, and diverse community perspectives, including representation from the Ottawa Police Service (OPS).

MHAC is made up of:

• Individuals with lived experience
• Representatives from mental health organizations (clinical, peer-led, or community-based)
• Members from the Ottawa Police Service, including leadership (OPS)
• Community leaders from intersectional communities
• Youth/emerging leaders (aged 18–29)

Notes:

MHAC terms of reference can be found on the CEC Website

The MHAC will have OPS representation ensuring a direct bridge between community dialogue and system response. Members have been selected based on their openness to collaboration, learning, and a commitment to building trust in mental health crisis response.