In a striking departure from traditional left-wing politics, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is demonstrating what happens when social democracy meets real-world pragmatism. The NDP premier's government passed legislation on Wednesday that permits involuntarily detaining people intoxicated on meth for up to three days, prioritizing public safety over ideological purity.
A Refreshing Approach to Drug Policy
What makes Kinew's stance particularly notable is his blunt acknowledgment of reality. "This is politically incorrect, but I'm just going to say this happens already. This is the drunk tank," Kinew stated during discussions about the bill. His reference points to existing practices where those dangerously intoxicated by alcohol are routinely detained for public protection, though previously limited to one-day holds.
The Manitoba premier, whose natural charm has become a political asset, made his priorities unmistakably clear: "People who are suffering from meth addiction do not have the right to determine how the rest of us are going to live in our society." This represents a significant shift from activist narratives that often frame hard drug use as a legitimate lifestyle choice or dismiss public concerns about addiction-related chaos as mere intolerance.
Broader Implications for Canadian Politics
Kinew's pragmatic approach extends beyond methamphetamine policy. Earlier in the week, he expressed strong views on another law-and-order matter, responding to the Supreme Court's decision to strike down a one-year mandatory minimum sentence for viewing or possessing child pornography.
The premier endorsed using the notwithstanding clause to preserve the minimum sentence, using vivid language to convey his position: "Child sexual abuse images and video, this is like one of the worst things that anyone can do. Not only should you go to prison for a long time, they should bury you under the prison." While not literally endorsing prison violence, Kinew's comments channeled the frustration many Canadians feel about leniency toward sex crimes against children.
Federal NDP Implications
Kinew's rising profile and practical governance style have sparked discussions about his potential on the federal stage. As the federal NDP searches for relevance and leadership in the current political landscape, Kinew represents an intriguing possibility. His ability to blend social democratic principles with realistic approaches to public safety could potentially revitalize the party's appeal to mainstream Canadians.
However, convincing Kinew to leave his successful tenure as Manitoba premier might prove challenging. His current position allows him to implement policies that demonstrate how left-leaning governments can effectively address public safety concerns without abandoning progressive values.
Across Canadian cities, where drug addiction has transformed public spaces, Kinew's approach offers an alternative to what many see as failed permissive policies. By framing the meth detention legislation as both protective of addicts and the broader public, he's charting a middle course that could influence drug policy debates nationwide.
