April, 3, 2023

Treaty 1 and Dakota Territory, Homeland of the Red River Métis, Winnipeg MB— This morning the Manitoba NDP were joined by harm reduction advocates and frontline workers at Sunshine House in Winnipeg to announce their plan to delay Bill 33.  

 “More than one person dies of a drug overdose every day in Manitoba,” said NDP critic for Mental Health and Addictions Bernadette Smith. “But instead of taking action to save our loved ones, the PCs are putting up roadblocks for organizations that are doing the real work. Bill 33 threatens the very existence of harm reduction in this province – and that means it puts lives in  jeopardy. To keep the hope of recovery alive we have to keep people alive. That’s why we are standing with experts, community organizations and families to stop Bill 33.” 

The Manitoba NDP is using their power as the Official Opposition to delay Bill 33. The bill has been publicly opposed by a coalition of harm reduction advocates, health care leaders, and addictions experts. 

“From Brian Pallister throwing a harm reduction report on the floor, to Premier Stefanson’s claims about a non-existent safe consumption site in California – the PCs have made the addictions crisis worse in Manitoba,” said NDP Leader Wab Kinew. “Our NDP team is committed to saving lives.”