Manitoba premier orders practice of jailing people with TB to end after CBC investigation

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has taken swift action in response to a troubling CBC investigation that uncovered the unjust incarceration of individuals with tuberculosis in the province. Following the case of Geraldine Mason, a 36-year-old woman from God’s Lake First Nation who was detained for a month under the Public Health Act, Kinew has vowed to put an end to this practice.

Mason, who had been apprehended for not consistently taking her tuberculosis medication, found herself behind bars without being charged with any criminal offense. Her time in jail was described as terrifying, as she was surrounded by individuals accused of violent crimes and subjected to multiple strip searches. The situation was further exacerbated by the fact that Mason did not have legal representation and her detention was approved without a public hearing.

In response to this egregious violation of rights, Legal Aid lawyer Leif Jensen stepped in to advocate for Mason’s release. Despite the premier’s commitment to issuing a public health order prohibiting the incarceration of individuals with tuberculosis, Jensen emphasized that this does not erase the trauma and loss experienced by Mason during her time in jail.

As the details of the health order are finalized, Mason has been released under certain conditions, including daily check-ins with a healthcare worker to ensure she is taking her medication. Her ordeal has sparked outrage and concern, prompting Kinew to take immediate action to prevent similar injustices from occurring in the future.

The incident has shed light on systemic issues within the healthcare and justice systems, highlighting the need for greater oversight and accountability. Moving forward, it is crucial that measures are put in place to safeguard the rights and well-being of individuals affected by infectious diseases like tuberculosis.

In conclusion, the case of Geraldine Mason serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding human rights and dignity, especially in vulnerable populations. By addressing the root causes of such injustices and implementing proactive measures, Manitoba can strive towards a more equitable and compassionate society for all its residents.