Schizophrenia Society of Manitoba forum dispels myths about mental illness
Hundreds attend event aimed at educating public, raising awareness about schizophrenia, psychosis
Chris Summerville, executive director of the Schizophrenia Society of Manitoba, said the forum was in response to a recent protest against the decision to allow Vince Li to live in a group home.
"The review board would never release an individual like Mr. Li into the community unless he was absolutely low risk," said Summerville. "We want to get that information out there to subdue fears about people with mental illness."
Li was found not criminally responsible in the 2008 death of 22-year-old Tim McLean. Li beheaded McLean on a greyhound bus in front of other passengers.
Summerville said Li has a lot of supports in the community and is no longer a risk to reoffend.
"He's learned how to manage his illness. He's had seven years to learn how to manage his illness," Summerville said.
"His risk assessment is at a one per cent, which is very low in fact," said Summerville, adding people have a greater chance of being struck and killed by lightning than of being killed by someone ruled not criminally responsible because of a mental disorder.