PICKERING -- It's time the Ontario Human Rights Commission evaluates the moving of mental health beds from the Ajax-Pickering hospital to Scarborough, says Maurice Brenner.

Mr. Brenner presented a resolution to Pickering council asking the commission to review the Rouge Valley Health System's decision to move the in-patient mental health unit from the Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering hospital to Centenary Hospital in Scarborough, and call a public inquiry. He accuses the RVHS of taking advantage of those without a strong voice to make up for its mistakes. The RVHS has $78-million in long-term debt and capital deficiencies.

"Those who are effected don't have a voice," he said.

He noted the Central East Local Health Integration Network listed mental health as one of its top priorities. By removing the in-patient service from RVAP, he said it will negatively affect and deny "persons with mental disorders" (defined as a disability in the OHR Codes) equality rights and opportunities for them to be treated without hardships, which he says is contrary to the code.

Mr. Brenner listed statistics from the Canadian Mental Health Association, including: 20 per cent of Canadians will personally experience a mental health illness in their lifetime; and about one per cent of Canadians will experience bipolar disorder. He added it affects people of all ages, cultures, and educational and income levels.

Mr. Brenner mentioned that Pickering council supported the Town of Ajax's request that the Province put a stop to moving the beds, but taking it to the OHRC will put its disapproval into action.

"Words don't cut it," he said. "Tonight you have an opportunity to take action."

Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles, who supported Ajax's motion, said he thinks with something involving the OHRC, he'd feel more comfortable referring it back to staff and getting some advice on where to go with it, which council agreed to. He later said in an interview that "I don't support the beds moving."

Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson didn't support referring the motion to staff, and said he thought it fit well with the Ajax request.

"The real message here is 'quit screwing with our hospital system'," he said.

Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell agreed and said "there's nothing more frustrating than seeing your community upset and a particular group of the community being disadvantaged."

Mayor Dave Ryan stressed council unanimously supported Ajax's resolution, which was officially passed by Council that night.

Mr. Brenner's resolution has been sent to Durham Region and other municipalities. It will come back to Pickering council once staff has looked at it.