Councillor criticized for calling users ‘drugged-out zombies’
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 31/05/2023 (301 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
City council’s most senior member has again sparked outrage, telling constituents Winnipeg needs more policing “due to all the drugged-out zombies” on its streets.
In a social media exchange this week, Coun. Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan, first elected in 2006) also said he disagrees with drug harm reduction and safe needle distribution sites, because “providing clean needles is only enabling” such behaviour.
He stood by his comments in an interview Wednesday.
Dr. Susan Cuvelier, who runs a hepatitis clinic at the Mount Carmel Clinic, doesn’t live in in Browaty’s ward but was offended by the online messages, nonetheless.
“It is truly offensive that someone who is tasked with representing the people of Winnipeg views members of the community in this way,” said Cuvelier, whose patients include current and former drug users. “What he says about harm reduction is completely not supported by the evidence.”
“It is sad someone in that position doesn’t have respect for the Winnipeggers using drugs. They are people from all walks of life… Many people are employed and they have houses, but used drugs in the past.
“To refer to anyone as a ‘drugged-out zombie’ is just so disrespectful.”
Browaty’s online comments come just weeks after he told members of special interest groups their views were out of step and don’t represent what most Winnipeggers want.
After Marianne Cerilli, a former MLA and mayoral candidate, made a presentation to the East Kildonan-Transcona community committee, Browaty said: “The consultation we get is not as relevant as the consultation we get as elected officials going door to door every four years to talk to people… It’s not at all as representative of Joe Lunchbox Winnipegger.”
The comments by Browaty on the Facebook site “North Kildonan-Your Neighbourhood, Your Priorities” came after one person expressed criticism of the Winnipeg Police Service buying several BMW motorcycles.
“Their spending is out of control… expect your taxes to rise. Expect other city services to suffer. Absolute embarrassment,” reads one post.
In response, Browaty wrote: “Definitely time for bail reforms. Repeat offenders need to be locked up — not let back on the street to reoffend.”
When the original commenter pointed out bail reform is not a city responsibility, but approving spending to buy the motorcycles is, Browaty said: “We need more policing — not less — due to all the drugged-out zombies on the streets.”
When another person said Browaty’s comment suggested, “You don’t see these people as humans and only see these people as problems,” the councillor responded: “Frankly, I think we’re on the wrong track.”
“Providing clean needles is enabling and getting more people on the wrong path… I’d like to focus on ensuring others don’t get on the wrong path — keeping illicit drugs off the street and helping people on the edge. Unfortunately, I think for some of the folks out there, it’s too late,” he wrote.
On Wednesday, Browaty said in an interview he stands by his comments — and believes many people in his north Winnipeg ward agree with him.
“I think it reflected my level of frustration with the way things are going and it is not good,” he said. “People are frustrated.
“The first posts talk about the costs of the police budget — and the helicopter, tank and new motorcycles. But based on the people I talk to, and the people who want the services of police, they want police more than ever.”
Browaty confirmed he is not in favour of safe drug consumption sites. He said he wrote many of his comments at the tail end of Tuesday’s city council meeting and on a Transit bus, after waiting at the bus stop in front of the downtown concert hall.
“The state of the people around the bus stop was alarming,” Browaty said, adding he saw people who appeared to be high on drugs.
“I keep hearing about plans about safer (drug) supply, safe drug use. It almost seems to be encouraging the use of drugs… Instead, we need to help people from getting into these situations in the first place.”
kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
Kevin Rollason
Reporter
Kevin Rollason is one of the more versatile reporters at the Winnipeg Free Press. Whether it is covering city hall, the law courts, or general reporting, Rollason can be counted on to not only answer the 5 Ws — Who, What, When, Where and Why — but to do it in an interesting and accessible way for readers.
History
Updated on Thursday, June 1, 2023 8:20 AM CDT: Corrects spelling of Dr. Susan Cuvelier's name
Updated on Thursday, June 1, 2023 10:36 AM CDT: Clarifies Dr. Cuvelier treats people who are former or current drug users