Today, at the conclusion of the B.C. Coroner’s Service Inquest into the death of a detainee at the British Columbia Immigration Holding Centre (BCIHC), the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) made the following statement:
First and foremost, the CBSA is committed to ensuring an effective and safe detention program. The CBSA has taken this incident very seriously and immediately conducted a review of its internal detention operations at the Vancouver facility.
As a result of the tragic incident of a death in custody, the CBSA immediately undertook an internal review of detention operations. Following this, we have made several improvements to strengthen our detentions program and enhance detention facilities.
In specific response to this incident, the CBSA took the following actions at the BCIHC:
- We reviewed the existing contract with the private security company to confirm consistency with CBSA’s national detention program;
- We updated the BCIHC's Standing Orders (procedures) and established a process for annual review;
- We increased our oversight and monitoring procedures at the BCIHC;
- We modified physical infrastructure to reduce the risks for self-harm;
- And, we implemented a requirement that all contracted security guards assigned to the BCIHC must receive enhanced suicide and self-injury prevention training.
But this is not the end of the matter. The CBSA will carefully review all findings and recommendations resulting from the inquest.
Our Agency respects national best practices for immigration detention and carries out an annual Quality Assurance Program to strengthen adherence to Canadian Law. The CBSA opens its facilities to stakeholders and partners who have a recognized mandate concerning immigration detention and detainees, and welcomes their feedback. By building on these recommendations and consultations, the CBSA continuously works to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its detention program while protecting the safety, health and security of Canadians.
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Related Products
Backgrounder: CBSA National Detention Program Overview
Backgrounder: Measures taken at the British Columbia Immigration Holding Centre
Associated Links
Arrests and Detentions
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CBSA Media Relations
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