Advocates Urge Ontario to Restore Minimum Sleeping Space Rules in Provincial Jails

Criminal justice advocates in Canada are calling on the Ontario government to reverse its decision to remove minimum sleeping space requirements in provincial adult correctional facilities, warning that the change could worsen overcrowding and undermine inmates' welfare.

The provincial government recently amended the Ontario Building Code, removing the previous requirement of at least 4.7 square metres of sleeping space per inmate.

The government says the amendment is intended to improve the use of available space as it plans to create more than 2,500 permanent jail spaces over the next decade.

Rights Groups Raise Concerns

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) and the Council of Elizabeth Fry Societies of Ontario (CEFSO) have criticised the decision, saying it was introduced without public consultation or a clear explanation.

Shakir Rahim, director of the CCLA's criminal justice programme, warned that removing the requirement could encourage double and triple bunking, potentially affecting inmates' physical and mental health.

He also noted that many people held in provincial jails are awaiting trial and have not been convicted of the offences they are accused of committing.

However, the Ontario government says other health and safety requirements under the Building Code remain unchanged. A provincial spokesperson explained that the previous space requirement restricted the installation of additional bunk beds in some existing cells.

Northern Ontario Jails Face Overcrowding Concerns

Advocates say the change could particularly affect correctional facilities in northern Ontario, where overcrowding is already a major concern.

L. Martin, executive director of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario, described conditions at facilities in Kenora, Fort Frances and Thunder Bay as overcrowded and deteriorating.

Martin warned that placing more inmates in already crowded facilities could raise human rights concerns and make rehabilitation more difficult.

Indigenous Leaders Call for Humane Conditions

The debate comes amid renewed calls from First Nations leaders for the closure of Thunder Bay District Jail over concerns about its conditions.

Sol Mamakwa, an Indigenous member of Ontario's provincial legislature, described some cells in northern correctional facilities as resembling cages and argued that inmates should be treated with dignity.

He also highlighted the disproportionate representation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system, calling for better support services and more humane correctional conditions.

Advocates are urging the Ontario government to restore minimum sleeping space requirements and invest in health and social services to improve conditions in provincial jails.

CBC News