Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced a new law last week that allows for the involuntary detention of drug-intoxicated individuals for up to three days. Kinew stated, "People who are suffering from meth addiction do not have the right to determine how the rest of us are going to live in our society." This legislation aims to improve public safety on the streets, although Kinew acknowledged that more work is needed in the area of treatment.

Previously, Manitoba permitted the detention of intoxicated individuals in temporary holding cells, commonly known as "drunk tanks," for up to 24 hours. However, this system was primarily designed for alcohol users and is inadequate for those under the influence of stronger substances like methamphetamine. The effects of meth can last up to 12 hours, and users may experience a severe withdrawal period, or "crash," lasting up to three days. This withdrawal can lead to erratic and aggressive behavior, which poses challenges for public safety.

Under the new law, the existing drunk tanks will remain for detentions of less than 24 hours. However, the province will introduce "protective care centres" that can hold severely intoxicated drug users for up to 72 hours. Individuals transferred to these centres will undergo one or two assessments by healthcare professionals at 24-hour intervals, depending on their length of stay. The Manitoba government emphasized that these centres will provide addiction services and compassionate support.

Bernadette Smith, the minister of housing, addictions, and homelessness, stated, "We want to ensure that we are meeting people and supporting, and ensuring that they can get onto a path of recovery." The first protective care centre is set to open in Winnipeg this December, featuring 20 units, with an additional 20 units expected to launch early next year. The centre will be staffed by paramedics and workers from the Main Street Project, a nonprofit organization focused on homelessness that already operates a similar program for individuals to safely sober up.

The Main Street Project's existing program recorded 7,200 visits in 2024, averaging about 20 visits per day. Kinew's new initiative represents a significant expansion of these services. He has stressed the importance of balancing treatment with public safety, stating, "We’re taking back our streets; we’re taking back our communities; we’re taking back our bus stops; and we’re going to make Manitoba safe again."

Kinew's reforms are expected to enhance safety in Manitoba. In Canada, a small number of repeat offenders, often struggling with addiction, contribute significantly to public disorder. A 2022 report indicated that just 40 individuals in Vancouver were responsible for over 6,000 police interactions in one year. Similarly, in Kelowna, 15 individuals accounted for more than 1,300 police files in 2024. While specific data for Manitoba is not available, the patterns of addiction and crime are likely similar across Canadian regions.

By expanding temporary detentions, the government aims to keep this small but disruptive population off the streets, benefiting the wider community. Kinew's approach suggests that if police can manage repeat detentions effectively, it may lead to greater accountability for those struggling with addiction.