Advocates are expressing concerns over the Manitoba government’s initiative to confine individuals under the influence of potent substances like methamphetamine at a Winnipeg detox center for up to 72 hours, as they believe it could endanger marginalized groups.
A significant assembly of over 100 demonstrators congregated outside the Manitoba Legislative Building in downtown Winnipeg on Sunday, urging authorities to rethink Bill 48, which extended the duration for detaining heavily intoxicated individuals from 24 hours to 72 hours. The legislation was recently passed through the Legislature.
Following the bill’s approval earlier this month, the province granted the media a preview of the 20-room holding facility at 190 Disraeli Fwy., which is scheduled to commence operations by the end of the month, with plans to expand to an additional 20 rooms later on.
Monica Ballantyne, the organizer of the rally, criticized the government for rushing into the decision without sufficient community input. She expressed apprehensions that individuals reliant on substances might face fatal withdrawal symptoms if detained. Ballantyne shared personal experiences of witnessing tragic outcomes in detention cells and voiced concerns about potential fatalities.
She emphasized that the fear of detention could drive individuals to consume drugs in seclusion, heightening the risk of overdose. Ballantyne believes that being placed in the detention center would only encourage individuals to conceal their addiction further.
Responding to the criticisms, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith stated that the primary objective of the new detox facility is to ensure the safety of individuals during critical moments of intoxication and psychological distress. Smith assured that the center would offer substantial support and linkages to additional services upon discharge.
At the rally, advocates questioned the adequacy of health and addiction support services at the facility and raised concerns about the provision of culturally appropriate care for Indigenous community members.
Health officials clarified that the detention center would have on-site paramedics and enhanced health supervision compared to the existing 24-hour facility managed by the Main Street Project. The new 72-hour center will also be overseen by the non-profit organization.
Individuals seeking admission to the detox site will need to be assessed and cleared by a hospital before being accommodated, as per health officials’ directives.
Joseph Fourre, the founder of the Singing Red Bear Foundation, expressed dismay upon observing the facility’s austere environment with steel doors and stark interiors. He criticized the facility’s jail-like ambiance and reiterated the need for a more compassionate approach to addressing substance abuse issues.
Fourre advocated for strategies that minimize treatment center wait times and enhance access to addiction care for those seeking recovery. He feared that individuals leaving the Disraeli site may emerge worse off than when they entered.
While the government justifies the detox center as a measure to prevent harm and provide a pathway to care for vulnerable individuals, critics like Ballantyne remain skeptical about its effectiveness in ensuring community safety and fostering recovery among detainees.