Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced Wednesday that a new protective care center in Winnipeg will detain individuals intoxicated by methamphetamines and other drugs for up to 72 hours. This extended detention period, enabled by a law passed last fall, goes beyond the traditional 24-hour limit previously set for alcohol intoxication.
The center, operated by Main Street Project, features small, cell-like rooms equipped with video surveillance and intercoms. While critics argue this approach criminalizes addiction, Kinew stated the longer detentions are necessary to manage the effects of meth and ensure community safety, with individuals receiving supervision and support.
The announcement coincided with the first day of the Manitoba legislature's spring sitting, which was heavily focused on healthcare issues. The Opposition Progressive Conservatives renewed calls for a public inquiry into recent deaths linked to long hospital wait times.
Premier Kinew confirmed that critical incident reviews are underway for these cases, aiming to provide answers to affected families and identify necessary systemic fixes. The government also introduced a bill requiring any future legislation invoking the notwithstanding clause to be immediately referred to the province's Court of Appeal for judicial comment on its constitutionality.