Doctors say involuntary detention not the answer, as Manitoba passes bill allowing 3 days of protective care

published on November 6, 2025 by Arturo Chang in CBC News

Some medical professionals say detaining highly intoxicated people for up to three days could put lives at risk if it’s not accompanied by proper care.

On Wednesday, the Manitoba Legislature passed the NDP government’s Bill 48, the Protective Detention and Care of Intoxicated Persons Act, which will allow it to establish a “protective care centre,” or detox facility.

The legislation will allow highly intoxicated people to be detained there for up to 72 hours, up from the previous maximum of 24 hours. That change is needed to address the effects of potent drugs like methamphetamine, the province has said.

The plan has received support from Winnipeg’s mayor, along with police and some doctors.

But Dr. Jim Simm, the province’s former chief psychiatrist, said there’s little precedent backing it up…