Premier wants people high on meth held longer in detox

Premier Wab Kinew said legislation is coming that would increase the amount of time drug users can be held at detox centres. CTV’s Jeff Keele explains.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says he wants to increase the time a person high on meth can be held in a detox centre, with plans to make it happen as early as November.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Kinew said he intends to bring forward new legislation when the fall session begins on Wednesday. He said the legislation is based on what the government is hearing from police, doctors and experts.

“Most importantly, it’s based on what we’ve been hearing from you, who are fed up with seeing people having a fist fight with themselves on Main Street,” Kinew said.

The legislation would bring changes to Manitoba’s ‘Intoxicated Persons Detention Act’. The current act allows for peace officers to bring intoxicated individuals to detoxication centres, but limits the detention to a maximum of 24 hours.

Kinew said this act was written with alcohol in mind. He said meth has changed things.

“Anyone who drives down a city street can see the impacts that meth is having on our communities,” he said.

Kinew said, should the bill pass, the length of time someone high on meth can be held in detox will be increased. He wouldn’t say how long that detention could be, but said there will be health care supports and a push towards treatments.

“If we’re going to hold somebody, potentially, for a few days… we’re going to make sure that they’re seen by health-care professionals,” he said.

Kinew said he expects a secure facility to be up and running by November.

Main Street Project has been delivering detox services for more than 40 years. In a statement to CTV News, the organization said it was “optimistic” the premier’s plan could be a positive step forward.

“Done right, it has the potential to improve outcomes for vulnerable Manitobans, reduce strain on emergency and policing resources, and align our province with best practices across Canada,” the statement reads.

It said if detention is increased, the time needs to be used constructively and safely.

“That means providing enhanced medical oversight, opportunities for mental health assessment, and active connections to withdrawal management and long-term supports, not simply extending detention,” the statement reads.

The fall session is set to begin on Oct. 1.