Manitoba foster home operator under investigation [Video]

A Winnipeg foster home operator is under investigation over allegations it provided cannabis to youth in its care.

Manitoba Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine tells CTV News Winnipeg allegations were brought to the province’s attention that Spirit Rising House was administering cannabis to youth in its group homes without authorization.

Spirit Rising House operates homes specializing in stabilization and addictions programming for at-risk youth, and is a private provider for Child and Family Services (CFS).

Fontaine says it’s believed the organization saw cannabis as a form of harm reduction.

“The issue is that we’re dealing with some of the most vulnerable, highly complex needs children who have addictions,” she said.

“Certainly, harm reduction is something that our government believes in, but in the legitimate options of harm reduction and certainly legally, as well.”

Fontaine says the province immediately reviewed Spirit Rising House’s services and ordered it to stop distributing unauthorized cannabis.

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