Manitoba’s first supervised consumption site opens in Winnipeg

Manitoba has opened its first supervised consumption site in Winnipeg, marking a bittersweet day for the province's addictions minister, Bernadette Smith. The government had initially planned to open the site in 2025, but faced delays due to pushback on the first chosen location and other complications. The supervised consumption site, located in central Winnipeg, is a collaboration between the province and Aboriginal Health and Wellness, operating in a culturally safe and holistic model of care.

The site, which is open for a limited time, is staffed by eight individuals, including two nurses, clinicians, mentors, and wayfinders who assist individuals in moving on once they feel they are no longer a danger to themselves or others. The site does not provide drugs, but aims to reduce potential harms associated with their use while connecting people to support services.

Smith emphasized that the site is crucial for people to get connected with supports and services for recovery, stating, "We can't treat people who aren't alive."

Smith highlighted that the province has added 1,200 new addiction treatment spaces and opened a rapid access to addictions medicine clinic, but expressed concern over the delays in the supervised consumption site. She also acknowledged the stigma surrounding people who use drugs and stressed the importance of embracing and working with them to help them find recovery and hope.