Harm reduction in Canada’s jails
Comments and concerns about the National Drugs and Substances Strategy Guidelines
In a nutshell
The CBA’s Criminal Justice Section, through its Committee on Imprisonment and Release, is urging Correctional Service Canada to align its drug use policies with harm reduction practices to uphold the safety and dignity of incarcerated people.
Concerns with current practices
The CBA Section has significant concerns about CSC’s current approach, which relies heavily on surveillance and punishment. Practices such as strip searches are degrading and dehumanizing, often leaving individuals feeling as though they’ve been subjected to sexual assault.
Recommendations
The CBA letter calls for CSC to adopt harm reduction measures, including safe consumption sites.
“These measures are vital to protect the health and safety of incarcerated individuals, reduce the spread of infectious diseases, and prevent fatal overdoses,” the letter reads.
It also recommends pairing them with recovery-oriented programs, noting that treatment should be provided confidentially through health care providers rather than as part of a correctional plan.
“Treatment should always be voluntary and non-coercive,” the letter states.
Drug possession
As well, the CBA Section recommends decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of illegal drugs and advises against automatically treating possession of drugs as evidence of trafficking.
As to contraband, CSC staff and contractors are sometimes involved, not just incarcerated individuals. CSC should focus on raising awareness of the health and wellness implications of contraband, “in addition to the criminal, administrative, and disciplinary penalties.”
This approach would align better with the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy’s emphasis on health and harm reduction.
Read the submission.
