October 2, 2025
Manitoba Government Introduces Bill That Would Respond to Meth Crisis, Reduce Pressure on Emergency Rooms and Keep Public Safe
– – –New Option Would Connect People with Needed Treatment: Smith, Wiebe
The Manitoba government has introduced legislation that would address the growing meth crisis across the province, giving police and health-care professionals more options to offer treatment immediately to people intoxicated on drugs in a safe space that protects the public, Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith and Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today.
“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.”
Bill 48, the Protective Detention and Care of Intoxicated Persons Act, adds a definition of intoxication 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. The purpose of detention would be to prevent people from harming themselves or others and to allow for follow-up care once psychosis has diminished.
“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.”
This legislation would benefit individuals under the influence of methamphetamine, as they take longer to recover from intoxication and stabilize, Wiebe noted, adding that once individuals who are taken to a protective care facility have recovered from acute intoxication, they will have access to addictions supports and services.
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