Mayor Scott Gillingham has filed a formal submission to Manitoba’s Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development in support of Bill 48 – The Protective Detention and Care of Intoxicated Persons Act.
The proposed legislation would modernize the outdated Intoxicated Persons Detention Act, allowing protective care centres to hold individuals for up to 72 hours instead of 24. The change is designed to give people time to safely come down from the effects of increasingly toxic drugs and connect them with treatment and recovery supports.
“We’re not helping anyone by allowing them to spiral further into addiction without intervention,” said Gillingham. “Real compassion means acting when someone cannot act for themselves. Bill 48 gives front-line workers the time and tools they need to protect people and connect them with care.”
In his submission, the Mayor described the new legislation as “an important step forward” in addressing Manitoba’s addictions crisis and easing the pressure on police, paramedics, and emergency departments.
He also highlighted how Bill 48 complements other collaborative efforts between the City and Province – including Manitoba’s Your Way Home homelessness strategy, the Downtown Community Safety Partnership, and building supportive housing projects on City-owned land – all aimed at building a continuum of care from crisis stabilization to housing and recovery.
“When governments move in the same direction, we can protect people in crisis, support recovery, and restore confidence in our communities,” Gillingham said. “This bill is an example of compassion backed by action.”
The Mayor’s submission to the committee is attached.