Correctional Service of Canada Archives

Selection of prison based on gender identity a victory, but alternatives to incarceration still needed, says advocate

February 7, 2018 1 Comment

Rebecca Rose takes a look at a new Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) policy that means that Transgender women can now be sent to women’s prisons while Transgender men will serve their time in a men’s prison, if that is their preference. Under the old policy inmates were sent to the federal institution that “matched” their genitals, not their gender identity. Rene Callahan-St John, a member of the Prisoners Correspondence Project views the change as a victory, but says much more remains to be done.

Let’s Talk – Bell Canada makes calling from prisons needlessly difficult for incarcerated women

November 9, 2017

It’s needlessly difficult to make a call from the Nova Institution for Women in Truro, says Martha Paynter of Women’s Wellness Within. Phone charges should be dropped, and internet access should be provided. Current restrictions just add to the prisoners’ sense of isolation and emotional duress. Turns out the phone provider is Bell Canada, of #BellLetsTalk fame.

Staff person’s harmful comments about trans inmate remain unaddressed

October 16, 2017

A problematic story in the Chronicle Herald about a staffer’s transphobic comments causes reporter Rebecca Rose to take an in depth look at the harm they cause and and how to counteract them. She also looks at the significant policy changes that triggered the comments, and how these changes came about. But no matter how good the policy changes and staff training, decarceration and community inclusion remain the best solution, advocates say.