Provincial Previous Years

PROVINCIAL ADVOCACY PREVIOUS YEARS ISSUES  & ACTIVITIES

2018 Activities 

Our position on proposed new jail for Ottawa

  • MOMS is in favour of a new jail for Ottawa, but not a larger one.
  • A reduction in numbers at OCDC in 2017 was achieved by transferring prisoners to other institutions, farther away from their families and lawyers.  This is a temporary situation at best to the overcrowding that has plagued OCDC.
  • A number of bail, court and police system changes that were initiated in 2017 (see details under 2017 activities below), or are now in the works, should gradually but significantly reduce the number of people being detained, and the length of time they need to be held in detention.
  • MOMS and others are also working vigorously for further actions and investments needed to divert many vulnerable individuals, who do not belong in jail at all, into mental health and addictions treatment in the community.
  • These are the changes that can and should result in the need for a smaller detention centre in Ottawa.  We urge the MCSCS to track their results and adjust its’ planning for a new Ottawa jail accordingly.
  • In our view, the current facility should be replaced, particularly in the context of proposed new legislation for Ontario Corrections which we expect to define principles and standards of care and treatment of prisoners that the current OCDC simply cannot provide.  The existing building has been very poorly maintained over time, and by design it is an unhealthy, inhumane facility that cannot deliver these standards of care.
  • MOMS fully supports Howard Sapers’ recommendations, see “Directions for Reform” September 2017.   https://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/Corrections/IndependentReviewOntarioCorrections/IndependentReviewOntarioCorrectionsDirectionsReform.html

Reform of Ontario Corrections 

  • MOMS supports Bill 195: “Legislation alone will not stem the tide of horror stories emanating from Ontario jails, but this new legislation is a crucial step in the right direction. The proposed legislation is not perfect; it has some weaknesses that concern us, but overall it meets the test: it is a forward-thinking, strongly-principled framework that makes real change possible. the next step must be the development of regulations and policies that will fulfill the promise of this new Act.”
  • MCSCS introduces new corrections legislation, first reading Feb 20, 2018:  news.ontario.ca/mcscs/en/2018/02/ontario-transforming-adult-correctional-system.html
  • On-going: discussions with MCSCS and other stakeholders on details of new Corrections Act to be tabled in provincial legislature in February 2018.

Deaths in Custody

  • Ongoing: preparation of MOMS application for standing at inquests into suicides of Justin St Amour and Cas Geddes. Joint inquest anticipated fall 2018.

Courts and Bail

Collaboration

  • Ongoing active memberships: CAJN (Community Adult Justice Network); Ontario Correctional Health Care Coalition (15 members); Coalition on Reforming Segregation in Ontario’s Correctional Institutions (9 members);
  • MOMS also collaborates with the OCDC Community Advisory Board; Canadian Somali Mothers Association; Canadian Families Corrections Network (Toronto); T.O.D.D. (Edmonton), and the Criminalization and Punishment Education Project (CPEP)

2017 Activities 

Reform of Ontario Corrections

OCDC Conditions

Collaboration

  • Ongoing collaboration & discussions with CAJN members, the OCDC, CAB and CPEP.

Deaths in Custody

  • Letter to Regional Coroner to advise MOMS will apply for standing at joint St. Amour & Geddes inquest.
  • Letter to Minister and Chief Coroner requesting expedited joint inquest for OCDC suicide deaths of Justin St. Amour and Cas Geddes, Aug. 14, 2017
  • Attend and speak at Justice for Solieman Faqiri event, Ottawa, May 16, 2017

Bail and Courts

  • Observe Ottawa courthouse operations, including first appearance and bail courts, to monitor impact of revised bail policy and other court changes, Fall 2017
  • Comment on new bail policy; interview on CBC TV Ottawa Evening News; Oct. 30, 2017
  • Notable Event: MAG announces new bail policy for Ontario, Oct. 30, 2017   https://news.ontario.ca/mag/en/2017/10/ontario-unveils-new-bail-directive-to-reduce-pre-trial-custody.html
  • Attend Attorney General announcement of funding for expanded bail program and new court staff, Ottawa Jan. 25, 2017

2016

OCDC Conditions
Collaboration
Bail and Courts
Deaths in Custody

2013-2015

OCDC Conditions
Collaboration