Towards a More Humane Approach: Another Canadian Province Moves to Abolish Immigration Detention in Jails

Another Canadian Province To End Immigration Detention in Jails

Introduction

The government of Ontario has decided to terminate its immigration detention contract with the federal government, becoming the eighth province in Canada to end this abusive practice. The termination of the contract follows similar moves by Quebec, New Brunswick, Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. The use of provincial jails for immigration detention is widely seen as punitive and inconsistent with international human rights standards. It has also been linked to the deterioration of mental health among detainees. There is an urgent need for the federal government to take decisive action to address the issue and transition to more humane alternatives to detention.

Abuse and Discrimination in Immigration Detention

A coroner’s inquest into the death of Abdurahman Hassan, a refugee from Somalia, in 2015 shed light on the shocking conditions and ongoing abuses within Canada’s immigration detention system, particularly in Ontario. A 2021 report by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International further highlighted the disproportionate impact of detention on racialized individuals, particularly Black men, who are subject to more restrictive conditions and longer periods of detention compared to other detainees. Persons with disabilities also face discrimination in the immigration detention process.

Provincial Terminations and Accountability

With the termination of immigration detention contracts by eight provinces, they have demonstrated their unwillingness to be complicit in the federal government’s human rights violations. However, the federal government still lacks a plan for detainees currently incarcerated in provincial jails solely on immigration grounds. This has led to the transfer of detainees from Alberta to British Columbia, separating them from their families and communities. It is imperative for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to take leadership and invest in community-based alternatives to detention operated by local nonprofit organizations independent of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Call for Action

In order to truly welcome people seeking safety or a better life, it is essential for Canada to end the use of provincial jails for immigration detention in the remaining two provinces, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland. Additionally, the ultimate goal should be to end immigration detention across the entire country. The federal government should prioritize the establishment of community-based alternatives to detention that respect human rights and provide support to individuals navigating the immigration process.

Conclusion

The termination of immigration detention contracts in multiple Canadian provinces is a positive step towards ending the abuse and inhumanity associated with this practice. However, there is still work to be done to ensure the well-being and dignity of individuals in the immigration system. The federal government must take immediate action to address the situation and prioritize the transition to more humane and just alternatives to detention. It is time for Canada to truly live up to its reputation as a welcoming and inclusive nation.

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