MMF Cabinet overwhelmingly votes to support Manitoba’s Bill 48, to enhance care and protection of intoxicated persons

October 16, 2025

Winnipeg, MB, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis - Today, while the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis’ Cabinet was in session, a robust discussion took place around the proposed new protective care centre, offering an initial 20 beds, followed by another 20 beds early next year. The new facility location has been identified as a building across the road from the MMF’s Home Office at 150 Henry Avenue.

“Our Red River Métis Cabinet members come from all across Manitoba, and bring with them their own personal experiences and knowledge about the harms of street drugs in their communities,” said David Chartrand, President of the MMF. “There is little doubt that we want to see more done to help people get away from addictions and find new pathways forward.”

The Cabinet was pleased to see that there would be wraparound services with this new facility, which aligns with the approach taken by the MMF’s programs and services, which ensure that the care and treatment of individuals is above and beyond a simple bed or a temporary safe place.

“While we have outstanding questions about the details of this proposed protective care centre, we expect Manitoba will engage with us in continuous and meaningful ways to address any concerns we have about the safety of our staff and Citizens who come to our office,” said President Chartrand. “However, after seeing the suffering of many homeless people around our office for many years, it will be a relief to all our hearts to see them get the help they need and deserve as humans, who are worth helping.”

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For more information, media may contact:
Kat Patenaude
Media Relations Advisor
Manitoba Métis Federation
204-801-7710
Kat.Patenaude@mmf.mb.ca

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