NDP eyes law to extend detention for meth users

WINNIPEG — Premier Wab Kinew said his government will introduce legislation to lock up people who are high on methamphetamine longer than the current legal limit of 24 hours.

“This law that we’re looking at is about responding to the meth crisis,” Kinew said Thursday when asked about the legislative agenda for the fall sitting that begins Oct. 1.

“It’s based on what we’ve been hearing from police and from doctors and from experts. But, most importantly, it’s based on what we’ve been hearing from you who are fed up with seeing people having a fistfight with themselves on Main Street,” he told reporters after announcing his government’s economic strategy.

The Intoxicated Persons Detention Act allows for 24-hour detention. Kinew pointed out it was written at a time when alcohol was the most damaging addiction in society.

“I think we all recognize that meth has just taken off in this unprecedented way. Like many other places in the world, it’s causing all sorts of problems for us here in Winnipeg and across Manitoba. We’ve got to respond,” he said.

The move drew praise from police and groups that are heavily involved in responding to the drug crisis.

Winnipeg police Insp. Max Waddell said an extended detention helps to ensure they recover and make it through the “tough” psychosis caused by the drug.

“A period of two to three days would be even better, just to give these individuals time to assimilate and help them and speak to people to give them the right resources and point them in the right direction.”

Waddell said that overcoming meth addiction requires about a year of abstinence. A longer sobering-up period, he believes, could help reduce the pull of the drug.

The 24-hour hold “is so short that they go back out and re-use and we see this repeat of this unfortunate situation,” the inspector said.

The premier said he couldn’t provide details about the proposed law before it is introduced in the legislature, including the time limit for detention.

“Right now, anyone who drives on the city streets can see the impacts that meth is having on our communities,” Kinew said. “Police and partners that we work with like Main Street Project are limited with how long they can hold somebody under the current (law),” the premier said.

The bill would give police and community workers more options to keep meth users and the public safe “so that those folks can get the help that they need, including health care. But, also, to be prevented from doing violent things in the community.”

The executive director of Main Street Project, which has detained people under the Intoxicated Persons Detention Act for more than 40 years, said he’s optimistic the legislation will produce positive results.

“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,” Jamil Mahmood said in a statement Thursday.

In the last four decades, substance use and the approach to it have changed, Mahmood said.

“If the (law) is expanded to include longer detentions or a broader inclusion of substances, such as methamphetamine, it will be important to ensure that this time is both used constructively and safely,” he said.

That includes enhanced medical oversight, opportunities for mental health assessment, and active connections to withdrawal management and long-term supports.

Non-profit Main Street Project is keen to contribute its experience and data “to build an approach that is safe, effective, and compassionate,” Mahmood said.

“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 premier acknowledged it’s late in the legislative session to introduce a bill in time for it to pass before the session ends in mid-November.

Kinew said he hopes the Progressive Conservatives won’t oppose the bill so it can be passed into law this year: “I don’t see why anyone would block us.”

PC Leader Obby Khan said he wouldn’t comment on the proposed bill until it is introduced and he is able to review it.

Kinew said the legislation aims to help people “find a path to a better tomorrow.”

“Some people are only going to reach detox and clean out if they are taken off the street,” he said, adding enforcement is key to the legislation.

“We’re gonna put them in a secure facility instead of the Health Sciences Centre emergency room. But while they’re there, there’s gonna be different modes of treatment made available to them.”

Kinew said that extended detention supports and resources will be in place by the start of November, without going into detail.

» Winnipeg Free Press