The Manitoba government is spending more than $1 million to help deal with Winnipeg’s growing overdose crisis. Most of the money will fund a three-month pilot project that starts this month. A two-person paramedic team will respond to overdose calls around the clock in busy areas like downtown Winnipeg.
The province is also buying oxygen devices for Main Street Project to help people whose overdoses cannot be reversed by naloxone. More funding will go toward overdose response and first aid training for workers.
New data shows opioid-related emergency calls are now higher than alcohol-related calls in Winnipeg. Fire and paramedic crews responded to more than 2,400 opioid incidents in the first five months of 2026, more than double the number from the same time last year.
Front-line workers say the city’s addiction crisis has changed quickly, especially with dangerous drugs like fentanyl being mixed with other substances. They say the rise in overdoses is putting heavy pressure on paramedics and firefighters, who are struggling with high call volumes and staff shortages.
Community groups are calling for stronger action, including a public health emergency declaration, while city officials continue asking for more ambulances and permanent paramedic positions.
