Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is gaining attention for prioritizing public safety in his approach to drug addiction and crime. His government recently passed legislation allowing for the involuntary detention of individuals intoxicated on methamphetamine for up to three days. Kinew, who leads an NDP government, emphasized that this measure is aimed at protecting the community.

"This is politically incorrect, but I’m just going to say this happens already. This is the drunk tank," Kinew stated, referring to existing practices of detaining intoxicated individuals. Previously, such detentions were limited to one day for those under the influence of alcohol. Kinew's focus on public safety marks a shift from the perspective of some left-wing activists who view drug use as a legitimate lifestyle choice.

"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," Kinew said before the vote. He believes that by removing addicts from the streets and connecting them with medical care, both the individuals and the public will be safer.

Kinew's stance comes amid growing concerns about drug use in Canadian cities, where issues like discarded needles in parks have sparked debate. He is one of the few NDP politicians advocating for a focus on public safety in addressing drug addiction.

In addition to his drug policy, Kinew has also expressed strong opinions on law and order. He criticized a recent Supreme Court decision that struck down a one-year mandatory minimum sentence for possessing child pornography. Kinew supported using the notwithstanding clause to reinstate the minimum sentence, stating, "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 his comments on prison conditions were controversial, they reflect a broader frustration among Canadians regarding the handling of serious crimes. Kinew has also been vocal about judicial decisions, such as when a judge granted bail to a truck driver charged with dangerous driving in a fatal crash. Kinew criticized the decision, urging judges to consider the public's perception of their rulings.

Beyond criminal justice, Kinew has shown a willingness to support oil and gas pipeline projects, provided there is consultation with Indigenous communities. He is also working to address the financial challenges left by the previous Progressive Conservative government. Kinew's blend of social democratic values with a pragmatic approach to governance is positioning him as a notable figure in Canadian politics.