A Liberal MLA is looking to have the Provincial Government amend the Intoxicated Persons Detention Act and give clarity to law enforcement officers.

Bill 229 was introduced at the Legislature yesterday during Question Period by Cindy Lamoureaux, the Manitoba Liberal Justice Critic and MLA for the Winnipeg riding of Burrows.

The proposed amendment would allow law enforcement officers to detain people who are under the influence of drugs in addition to alcohol.

Lamoureaux said that the Manitoba Court of Appeal said in the 1980’s that the act only applies to intoxication by liquor, and that the law hasn’t been updated despite new and dangerous drugs like crack an meth.

She said that the current act is outdated, and puts the police, general public and even addicts at greater risk. Lamoureaux added that law enforcement officers need to be given the tools necessary to protect Manitobans.

According to a release, the Manitoba Liberals have been working closely with addictions service providers and those dealing with the addictions, who expressed a need for changes to the act.