Statement from Brandon West MLA Wayne Balcaen on NDP Failure to Denounce Destructive Drug Policies
WINNIPEG — Brandon West MLA Wayne Balcaen, PC Critic for Justice, released the following statement today on the Manitoba NDP’s failure to take a decisive stance against importing destructive BC NDP policies into Manitoba:
“Today, Wab Kinew’s NDP refused to vote on a resolution denouncing the failed drug decriminalization policies of the BC NDP.
“More than 14,000 people have died from toxic drugs since British Columbia declared a public health emergency and rolled out safe consumption, safe supply, and drug decriminalization in response to Canada’s opioid crisis.
“Kinew’s NDP talked out a resolution calling on the Legislature to keep hard drugs illegal in Manitoba, thus not bringing the resolution to a vote.
“By failing to make a definitive statement, the Manitoba NDP have left the door open to failed policies that will cost lives. Manitoba saw a record 56 fatal overdoses in January, and if these trends continue, Manitoba could see a record 672 overdose deaths for the entire year.
The Progressive Conservative caucus will continue to defend public safety, protect Manitoba families, and pursue a Recovery First approach that gives Manitobans struggling with addictions the treatment and services they need to recover and rebuild their lives.”
-30-
For media inquiries, please contact PCCaucus_Media@leg.gov.mb.ca