Opinion
Correctional Service of Canada must do better
By Sandra Ka Hon Chu and Lorraine Whitman March 16, 2020
Denying access to a needle exchange program flies in the face of human rights and the spirit of the recommendations posed by both the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Inquiry.
Canada's federal Correctional Investigator Ivan Zinger, pictured on Oct. 31, 2017, at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa, found that the Correctional Service of Canada’s prison needle exchange program is not actually benefiting prisoners because and the result is that few prisoners are accessing the program and are continuing to share and re-use needles, write Sandra Ka Hon Chu and Lorraine Whitman. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Needle exchange programs work. The science bears this up, with studies confirming that such programs drastically reduce the risk of HIV, hepatitis C, and other serious infections, and of overdose. Crucially, they also facilitate prisoners’ access to drug treatment and other health care. But when they are designed to limit access, none of these benefits will be realized.
Related Stories
-
Sponsored Content
An Open Letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau from Diabetes Canada
Explore, analyze, understand
Inside Ottawa Directory – 2020 Edition – SOLD OUT
The handy reference guide includes: riding profiles, MPs by province, MP contact details, both Hill and constituency and more.
Get the book
The handy reference guide includes: riding profiles, MPs by province, MP contact details, both Hill and constituency and more.
Get the book
Sharp Wits & Busy Pens
Sharp Wits & Busy Pens, written by current and former Parliamentary Press Gallery reporters, tracks the evolution of political journalism in Canada
Get the book
Sharp Wits & Busy Pens, written by current and former Parliamentary Press Gallery reporters, tracks the evolution of political journalism in Canada
Get the book
Related Policy Briefings
Agriculture Policy Briefing
Short and informative analyses on policy challenges that bring background and recommendations to policymakers, journalists and the general public.
Read policy briefing
Short and informative analyses on policy challenges that bring background and recommendations to policymakers, journalists and the general public.
Read policy briefing
Cannabis with Edibles
Short and informative analyses on policy challenges that bring background and recommendations to policymakers, journalists and the general public.
Read policy briefing
Short and informative analyses on policy challenges that bring background and recommendations to policymakers, journalists and the general public.
Read policy briefing
Privacy and Security in the Digital Age
Short and informative analyses on policy challenges that bring background and recommendations to policymakers, journalists and the general public.
Read policy briefing
Short and informative analyses on policy challenges that bring background and recommendations to policymakers, journalists and the general public.
Read policy briefing
Politics This Morning
Your email has been added. An email has been sent to your address, please click the link inside of it to confirm your subscription.
MPs scrutinize parole board following report on murder of Quebec woman
The parole strategy for convicted killer was ‘completely unacceptable,’ says CSC commissioner Anne Kelly after a report found the authorities missed warning signs before a woman’s death last year.Freelance translators raise concerns over proposed terms of new contract
Some of the proposed changes include a requirement that freelancers be available for 15.5 hours a day, the elimination of pay for some duties currently covered, and longer exposure to distance interpreting.Payette’s resignation yet another self-inflicted wound for Trudeau Liberals, say former senior Grits
Justin Trudeau should take his time and follow a proper screening process in choosing Julie Payette’s successor, says Prof. Donald Savoie. Sloan’s ouster should have come earlier, say Conservative observers
'Since his election, Mr. Sloan has conducted a master class of bigotry and bullying,' says Conservative strategist Geoff Norquay, who served as a top aide to former prime minister Stephen Harper.House agrees to extend hybrid sittings, takes step closer to adopting remote voting app
It's up to each leader of the four recognized parties to inform the House Speaker they're 'satisfied' that all issues have been addressed and to give the green light for adopting the app.Beyak retires from Senate, ‘stands by’ defence of residential schools
Her decision to retire takes place just ahead of the Senate’s return on Feb. 2 and on the first day of the House of Commons’ return from its holiday recess. Employment numbers ‘devastating,’ indicate ‘very profound’ economic crisis brewing, says NDP MP Julian
Employment numbers in Canada have dropped for the first time since April 2020, when record government spending began propping up the job market. Observers say they're not surprised by the decrease.Finance, trade, and climate bills should top Liberal priorities as House returns: MPs, stakeholders
The Liberals can start with low-hanging fruit in bills C-14 and C-18.Carr’s cabinet post praised by Prairie stakeholders, but experts and MP wary of road ahead
Jim Carr is one of four Liberal MPs elected in the three Prairie provinces, and is now representing the region at the cabinet table. Trending Stories
