According to a report on the impact of COVID-19 at federal prisons released by the Office of the Correctional Investigator (OCI) on Tuesday, 10 percent of the federal prison population have had COVID-19, compared to 2 percent of Canadians. It is the third such report from the OCI and its scope includes institutions in Abbotsford, Agassiz, Harrison Mills, and Mission.
These findings support the notion, long touted by advocates, that people in prison are highly vulnerable to viruses like COVID-19. The report also shows that the well-being of incarcerated people is threatened not just by illness, but also by the pandemic control measures implemented by Correctional Service Canada (CSC).
The report says that “the measures that have been adopted to contain or control active prison outbreaks – near total cellular isolation, fresh air exercise once every two or three days, 20 minutes of out of cell time every other day to shower or use the telephone – are exceptional and difficult.”
Presently, CSC reports 65 active cases (as of February 24, 2020), yet the OCI’s report shows that control measures have deepened the isolation experienced by many people in prison. Visits from family and friends have been suspended at almost all of CSC’s facilities in the Pacific Region. Social distancing protocols have reduced access to correctional and education programs; skills and vocational training; and gyms, libraries, and computer rooms.
The report recognizes the positive work that has been done by CSC—the vaccination of 600 high-risk individuals, improved access to video, one-on-one program delivery, flexible usage of rooms—but the long-term impacts of the control measures are yet to be seen, and their toll on people in prison is likely to be overlooked by many Canadians.
A lack of participation in correctional programs can stall an incarcerated person’s correctional plan and leave them underprepared for parole. The OCI report notes that prisoners are feeling frustrated and anxious about these disruptions. “Through no fault of their own, inmates are being denied or delayed access to parole hearings and community release because they have not completed their programming requirements.”
In-prison volunteer programs have been suspended since March of last year. In this time, non-profit organizations like ours, which exist to bring compassion and support to people in prison, have maintained communication with CSC and the incarcerated people we serve. While many of our volunteer mentors remain in contact with their matches through letters and phone calls, I believe that one-on-one visits that adhere to current health and safety protocols are possible—and their reinstatement is long overdue. These visits provide a vital link to society and help people in prison find perspective, and overcome isolation and loneliness. Furthermore, these mentoring relationships often continue after people leave prison and serve as a resource for a successful return to everyday life.
Among its recommendations, the OCI asks that CSC find ways to deliver its programs in the community, rather than in prison. Research shows that community-based programs are more successful than those delivered in prison.
If CSC were to follow this recommendation, it would find organizations in the community, like ours and others, ready to step up. Right now we have a network of over 200 volunteers, many already trained to work with people in prison and on parole. Our No One Leaves Alone (NOLA) program delivers practical support to people leaving prison, with emphasis on building resilience and accountability in five areas: housing, health, employment, education, and relationships.
The report makes other recommendations too: It asks CSC to grant early release to elderly prisoners and those who are medically vulnerable and aren’t a risk to society. And, taking a wider view, it recommends that the Minister of Public Safety explore alternatives to incarceration that are more cost effective, and involve the community.
This pandemic has been a challenge for all Canadians. As it slogs on, we do our best to be kind to each other, cling to whatever normalcy we can, and look ahead to the end of COVID-19. As we do this, let’s remember people in prison—many have been sick, some have died, and many more have been besieged by the fear of illness for almost one year.
This crisis is an opportunity to reassess as a society how we handle justice and corrections, and consider ways to increase the role of the community. My vision is to see every incarcerated person find restoration alongside their family and friends. I hope that one bright light of this pandemic will be a more humane and just corrections system.
Raymond Robyn is Executive Director at M2/W2 Association.