Consumption Site Intake Form Reveals Extent of NDP Plans to Normalize Drug Use, Aid First-Time Users
WINNIPEG — The proposed intake form for the Kinew NDP’s drug injection site at 366 Henry Ave. reveals the extent and scope of the Addictions Minister’s plans to normalize and centralize drug use in downtown Winnipeg. The so-called ‘Supervised Consumption Site Participant Visitor Form’ was obtained through an access to information request and was originally developed for the now-abandoned consumption site at 200 Disraeli Freeway.
“This intake form is shocking. 40 different hard drugs are listed, from crystal meth to fentanyl, to bath salts,” said Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza, PC Critic for Housing, Addiction and Homelessness. “I don’t think Winnipeggers should have this extent of drug use normalized and centralized in the North Logan neighbourhood.”
The most disturbing section of the form asks if the drug user is at a higher risk because they are pregnant, a youth, or a first-time drug user.
“First-time drug users? Pregnant women? Minors? What is happening at this drug consumption site? Is this really supposed to help drug users help themselves,” asked Obby Khan, Leader of the Official Opposition. “Or is this another step down a never-ending spiral of addiction?”
A second form allows drug users who are “unable” to inject drugs into themselves to be injected by someone else. This is a practice called “doctoring.” The form waives liability for the operators of Kinew’s consumption site for outcomes like tissue damage, infections, and accidental wastage of drugs.
“Addicts ‘doctoring’ other addicts. Over 40 different types of illicit drugs being consumed. Where are the addictions treatment options this NDP government is supposed to be taking at every step?” asked Bereza. “The intake paperwork provides a menu of misery for people with drug addictions. The NDP’s drug injection site will introduce, sustain, and prolong addictions for hundreds of Manitobans. We have to abandon this approach of ‘harm reduction’ and focus on treatment and recovery models.”
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