Manitoba Government Must Reapply for Supervised Drug Site

The Manitoba government is required to submit a new application to Health Canada for a supervised drug consumption site after its initial proposal for a location in Point Douglas faced significant community pushback. The original application was submitted for the site at 200 Disraeli Fwy but was deemed a “non-starter” by Premier Wab Kinew due to concerns from residents regarding its proximity to a day care and a high school.

During a press briefing, Addictions Minister Bernadette Smith expressed her desire for the site to be operational as soon as possible but emphasized the importance of community consultation in the process. “I’d like for the site to be open today, but we want to make sure we’re getting this right,” she stated.

The application for the Point Douglas site, submitted in November 2024, has been marked as under review by Health Canada. However, as community concerns escalated, Smith confirmed that the application would now be withdrawn.

“You put in your application, you list the address, you start the consultations, and then, of course, there’s questions that come back,”

Smith explained, noting that the province will continue to follow the required processes.

Kinew reiterated the need for a new location, indicating that the government would establish a 250-metre radius around any proposed site to ensure it does not align with schools or day care facilities. This decision comes after residents of Point Douglas successfully lobbied against the site, highlighting the community’s organized efforts to voice their concerns.

Deputy leader of the opposition, Jeff Bereza, expressed gratitude towards the Point Douglas residents for their activism but questioned the rationale behind selecting that location initially. “Why was the location of a school across from a drug site a good idea last year, but not today?” he asked during a press conference.

The Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre of Winnipeg will continue to lead the initiative for the drug consumption site once it is established, although no representatives from the center have provided comments regarding the recent developments.

As the Manitoba government reevaluates its strategy, Smith indicated that any new proposed locations would be made public once a new application is ready for submission to Health Canada. This marks a significant shift in the timeline, with Smith previously stating that the site would be operational before the end of the NDP government’s first term in 2027.

Inner-city advocate Sel Burrows acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead for the provincial government in identifying a new site. He praised the residents of Point Douglas for their successful campaign against the initial proposal, stating, “I feel very proud of the Point Douglas people. It’s an organized community, and they have a voice and they can respond.”

The ongoing debate around supervised consumption sites highlights not only the complexities of drug policy but also the need for community involvement in public health initiatives. As discussions continue, the Manitoba government faces the task of finding a location that aligns with both community needs and health objectives.