NDP vows to build safe consumption site, slash cellphone costs in alternative throne speech

A Manitoba NDPgovernment would builda safe consumption site in Winnipeg anda detox centre in Brandon to get a grip on the growing use of methamphetamine in the province, NDP Leader Wab Kinewsays.

The Opposition party also pledged Thursday in its alternative throne speech to force private cellphone companies to make low-price plans available to consumers and to end subsidies for oil and gas companies.

The NDPunveiled its prioritiesto counter the provincial government'sthrone speech, which will mark the start of the Progressive Conservatives' fourthlegislative session when it is unveiled next week.

Kinewsaidhe would reverse the government's cuts to health care, butacknowledged he mightnot be able to reopen shuttered emergency rooms afterthe 2020 election.

"We should stand up now so we don't reach the point of no return," he said.

Kinewsaid the government must act now to combat addictions. Aspremier, he would have 50 morelong-term treatment beds built, to augmentthe new harm-reduction facilities planned forWinnipeg and Brandon, he said.

New government ministry

The money would come out of a federal reserve committed to dealing with mental health and addictions, Kinew said.

AnNDPgovernment would name a minister specificallyto handle addictions and mental health, he said.The new minister would work with multiple departments, including justice and housing, to address the problem.

"We need somebody to quarterback the meth crisis response."

The minister would push to build a safe consumption site in Winnipeg, which Kinew estimated would cost around $500,000 to $1 million annually to operate, and spend around $2 million on adetox centre in Brandon, which he pegged at a$500,000 to $750,000 cost per year.

TheNDPwould support the implementation of a carbon tax, and use the revenue to help families makeenvironmentally conscious choices.

Kinew said his party would eliminate the PST exemption for oil and gas drill bits, which equates toaround $750,000 in provincial revenue, he said.

His government would take gradual steps at first to make cellphone bills more affordable, such asrequiring telecom companies to print the lowestmonthly plan availableon every cellphone contract and bill, and lobbying for"skinny" cellphone plans to be created.

Kinewwouldn't say how he'd convincetelecom giants to change their ways, but he said usercontracts are legislated by the provincial government and they canforcelegislative changes.

"If we don't see cellphone prices go down, we'll want to push the limits in terms of what we can do under provincial jurisdiction."

The province is not doing enough, Kinew said.

"They'recheerleading these telecommunications companies. They're standing next to these executives at press conferences."

Liberal leader Dougald Lamont isn't convinced the province can persuade telecom companies to offer cheaper packages.

"It's a fine thing to push for, but it's not actually anything the provincial government can do," he said in an interview.

He added a safe consumption site won't work for meth addicts. His party has been campaigningfor a drug stabilization unit instead, whichkeeps userssafe whiletheygo through withdrawal.

Taps flowover: PC

The Progressive Conservatives shrugged off Kinew's throne speech, saying the NDPleft the tap running and spent excessivelyuntil they were voted out in2016.

"In the upcoming legislative session we'll continue the good work we've started in fixing the province's finances, repairing the services and rebuilding our economy," said a statement fromBlaine Pedersen, minister of growth, enterprise and trade.

In theiralternative address, the NDPalso said it wouldreinstate coverage for outpatient physiotherapy, sleep apnea treatment and the special drug program.

And a review of the kindergarten to Grade 12 education system would bringparents,teachers and educational leaders to the table, Kinewsaid.

The government will present itsfourththrone speech on Nov. 20.