Should Federal Prisons Change How They Use Solitary Confinement?
Official title: Bill S-205, An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act
Senator Kim Pate has introduced a bill to change how federal prisons use solitary confinement. Bill S-205 would amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act. The Senate's Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee is currently studying it and hearing from witnesses.
Why This Matters
Canada's use of solitary confinement has been criticized by human rights groups and courts. This bill could change how thousands of federal inmates are treated. If you care about prison conditions, mental health in corrections, or human rights, this matters.
What Could Change
If passed, this bill would amend federal corrections law. The rules around when and how prisons can isolate inmates could change. Structured Intervention Units—Canada's replacement for solitary confinement—may face new restrictions or oversight requirements.
Key Issues
- How should federal prisons use solitary confinement or isolation?
- Are Structured Intervention Units working as intended?
How to Participate
- Read the text of Bill S-205 to understand the proposed changes.
- Review the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs page for meeting schedules and witness testimony.
- Contact the committee or your Senator to share your views on the bill.