Minister Goodale introduces new initiatives for a better, fairer immigration detention system

News Release

New funding will transform Canada’s immigration detention system

 

August 15, 2016                        Laval, Quebec              Canada Border Services Agency

 

The Government of Canada is committed to creating a better, fairer immigration detention system for the humane and dignified treatment of individuals while upholding public safety.

Today, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced an investment of up to $138 million to transform the immigration detention system in Canada. The new National Immigration Detention Framework will enhance alternatives to detention and include key investments in federal detention infrastructure.

In keeping with the objective to ensure that detention is truly a last resort, the Government of Canada is expanding the availability of alternatives to detention.  A community supervision program will also be developed, in partnership with stakeholders, to provide tailored risk management for released detainees.

Beginning this summer and continuing into fall 2016, a series of stakeholder engagement consultations will be held to expand the range of available alternatives to detention and reduce the number of minors in detention to the greatest extent possible.

In addition, new infrastructure projects will replace the immigration holding centres in British Columbia and Quebec to dramatically reduce the need for the use of provincial correctional facilities for immigration detention. The funding will also be used to enhance mental and medical health services and support for individuals in immigration holding centres.

 

Quotes

 “The Government of Canada is committed to exercising its responsibility for detentions to the highest possible standards, with physical and mental health and well-being of detainees, as well as the safety and security of Canadians as the primary considerations”
– Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

 

Quick Facts

• There is an average of 450 to 500 individuals detained under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act at any given time. These make up less than 0.02% of travellers to Canada per year.

 

Related Products

• Federal Immigration Detention Infrastructure
• Federal Arrangements with Partners and Stakeholders for Immigration Detention
• Arrests, detentions and removals - Detentions

 

Associated Links

• Statement by the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on Immigration Detention

 

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Contacts

Canada Border Services Agency
Media Line
613-957-6500

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