When you look at the mandate of the Correctional Services of Canada, it
states in their introduction that the "CSC offers a variety programs for
offenders within the institution and those on parole in the community to assist
them to successfully reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens"
(CSC, 2008). This is mentioned continuously in different sections of their
mandate, mission and priorities. And yet, a few days ago, two inmates from two
different B.C institutions have filed a lawsuit alleging that the federal
corrections service has violated their legal duty to provide them with access
to rehabilitation programs.
Wesley Devries, one of the inmates, is
currently at Mission Medium institution under fraud-related charges. In the
article, it states that when he arrived to the institution, there were no spots
available in programs and no resources for psychiatric care. With 7 months to
go until statutory release is still currently wait-listed. Yong Long Ye,
the other inmate who filed the lawsuit, currently at the Matsqui institution
for drug-related charges, is considered low risk and does not meet the criteria
for programs. Both, like many have been denied many advances such as
parole or transfer to lower security institutions because they had not
participated in rehabilitative programs. Jason McGown, the former head of
the inmates’ committee at Mission Medium states “[that] it is incredibly
frustrating for those of us that recognize that we need help and want to
participate in program”.
So the question many are asking themselves--if
it’s their legal duty to provide programs and inmates need it for parole
requirements, then why were they rejected? Is it the lack of resources? Is it
the lack of programs? Why are they not meeting the criteria?
Carol
Bellringer, the Auditor General of BC, in her report last month mentioned that
B.C corrections are failing to provide adequate programs for inmates. The
report mentions, “the core programs for sentenced offenders are
specifically designed to reduce re-offending, by targeting issues that contribute
to a criminal lifestyle and influence inmates’ patterns of thinking and
behaviour” (AGBC Corrections Report, 2015). It was found that most cases do not
meet legislation or policy expectations to provide the inmates with timely
access to programs. Another issue is overcrowding, the report mentions that the
average occupancy rate across all centres is at 140%, this can explain why
inmates are seeing the lack of opportunity to be involved in rehabilitative
programs. The last issue is the allocation of resources, the money is being put
towards expanding prisons to address the need of overcrowding and the
double-bunking situation but there still needs to be more money put into
rehabilitative programs. If programs are meant for those who pose a higher
risk to society, shouldn’t they find a way to help those who want help,
regardless of the risk they pose?
By denying them the help they need, we are only adding to the problems
and creating problems for their release into society. If we can’t find a way to
help them within prison, then perhaps the policies, requirements, legislation
need to change to address the issues upon their release and get the help they
want and need.
--Martha Espinoza
