The provincial government officially introduced a previously discussed piece of legislation today that would allow for longer detention of intoxicated persons. In a release, Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith and Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced Bill 48, the Protective Detention and Care of Intoxicated Persons Act.
“We want to make sure people suffering from drug addiction are removed from harm, stabilized and provided with access to appropriate care and treatment options without criminalizing them,” said Smith. “When someone intoxicated on drugs is a risk to themselves or others in the community, our priorities are to keep them safe and protect everyone they may encounter.”
According to the release from the province, this legislation is designed to deal with the growing meth crisis and to relieve some of the pressure on Manitoba’s emergency rooms. Under the new legislation, the definition of intoxicated persons is expanded to include drugs and allows for the detention of intoxicated people for up to 72 hours, to ensure they are protected for the length of a meth psychosis under the direction of health-care professionals.
“Manitobans deserve to feel safe in their own communities and those under the influence of drugs also have the right to be treated with compassion and connected with the resources they need to find a healthier path in life,” said Wiebe. “Right now, intoxicated individuals must sit in an emergency room or may potentially cause harm to themselves or others in public. This bill will keep everyone safe.”
Wiebe added that once detained people have recovered from “acute intoxication” they will have access to supports and services.
