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Cornwall Public Inquiry

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Minsitry of Correctional Services

Inmates Rights (Ontario) 

[This information was received in response to an email request for the same sent to the Ontario Ministry of Community of Safety and Correctional Services. Strangely this was signed simply by the “email webmaster.” I am attempting to get a name/identity. As it stands I have no idea what authority an email webmaster might have or has to speak on behalf of or for the Minister or ministry.] 

 From: JUS-G-SGCS-Webmaster [JUS.G.SGCS.Webmaster@ontario.ca] 

Sent: Wed 02/04/2008 2:08 PM

To:  [Sylvia MacEachern]

Cc:

Subject: Inmates' rights CU08-01064   Ms. Sylvia MacEachern

sylvia.maceachern@sympatico.ca 

Dear Ms. MacEachern: 

Thank you for your e-mail of March 14, 2008, inquiring about inmate rights and the procedure for filing a complaint regarding the treatment of an inmate in the Ontario correctional system. 

The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services is committed to treating inmates under its care in a just and humane manner that recognizes their inherent dignity as human beings, promotes their personal reformation, development and socialization, and affords them the rights, privileges and protections prescribed by law.  In operating institutions, the ministry's primary mandates are to protect society by supervising the detention and release of inmates, and to provide an environment and opportunities to promote their rehabilitation and successful reintegration into the community.   

It is the responsibility of this ministry to balance the rights of inmates with the safety and security needs of our correctional institutions.  Services and activities that are permitted at all correctional institutions include: 

*     the right to daily outdoor exercise (weather permitting);

*     access to legal counsel, services and materials;

*     access to clergy and spiritual advisors (or publications and related services);

*     visitation with family members, relatives and friends;

*     access to correspondence and telephone services;

*     access to library materials, institutional programs; and

*     the opportunity to buy items from the institution canteen with personal funds.   

Inmates are provided with an opportunity to clean their cells and living spaces on a regular basis.  As well, all inmates in the provincial correctional system are provided with suitable accommodations, including toilet and shower facilities.  They are also issued personal hygiene products, including bedding, pillow, towels, toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, shaving cream, soap, comb (or pick), deodorant and shampoo, all at no cost to the inmate.  Furthermore, inmates have access to health and emergency dental care.  

While inmates do not have the same range of choices or activities available as individuals who are not in correctional facilities, the legitimate reduction or removal of rights, privileges and freedoms exists to ensure that public protection and the security, safety and good order of the institution are consistent with the rule of law. 

Superintendents are responsible for managing correctional facilities and for providing the most immediate and suitable forum for complaints and concerns.  Complaints should be brought to the attention of the superintendent, in writing, at the earliest opportunity following an incident to facilitate a review of the complaint.   

Inmates themselves have access to a formalized complaint process for the fair and timely resolution of complaints, concerns and disputes arising from correctional services and institutional operations.  Inmate complaints are initiated by submitting a request form to the superintendent.  Inmates who remain unsatisfied with the result of the review at the institution can write to the regional director, explaining the steps that they have taken to resolve their issue. 

Inmates also have the option of pursuing alleged human rights violations with oversight agencies, such as the Ontario Human Rights Commission or with the Office of the Ombudsman, which investigates and resolves public complaints about the decisions or actions of an Ontario government ministry, board, agency, tribunal or commission.  We fully cooperate with police and oversight agency investigations.  

The Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services is committed to providing a safe, responsible, just and humane environment to those under its care, which recognizes their personal dignity and ensures them access to their legal and statutory rights.   

I trust this is helpful. 

Sincerely,

E-mail Webmaster

Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services  

********************************************************************** 

Confidentiality Warning: This e-mail contains information intended only for the use of the individual named above.  If you have received this e-mail in error, we would appreciate it if you could advise us through the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services' website at http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/home/feedback.html and destroy all copies of this message.  Thank you.