Canadian prison population to soar, report predicts

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By Edmonton Journal

Published: 02/12/2001

Canada's prison population could soon swell as a new breed of international convict begins serving time.
A federal discussion paper says newly created international courts will likely send foreign prisoners to Canada, reversing a trend that has seen this country's prison population shrink.
Illegal immigration, rising fear of crime and growth of the aboriginal youth population are among the other developments that may well spark an increase in inmate numbers, predicts the report, released by the Solicitor General's department.
The paper, Corrections in the 21st Century, was prepared by federal officials to help stimulate thought on emerging issues confronting justice policy-makers.
It says the corrections system faces many challenges in coming years, from the spread of disease inside institutions to the turmoil caused by organized criminal gangs.
Canada's incarceration rate fell to 123 per 100,000 people last year from 133 per 100,000 in 1996.
The drop has come as governments seek fresh alternatives to locking up non-violent offenders, such as sentences involving community service and compensation to crime victims.
However, the paper suggests a number of factors could alter the trend.
The fledgling International Criminal Court will deal with serious crimes of global concern such as genocide. A sentence of imprisonment will be served in a country designated by the court from a list of states that have indicated a willingness to accept offenders.
Increases in immigration are likely to result in a greater number of offenders who are not Canadian citizens. In turn, this could put added pressure on the inmate population since non-citizens subject to detention aren't eligible for temporary absences, work releases or day parole.
In addition, if federal plans to tighten the refugee process materialize, the correctional system may have to assist with the detention of relatively large numbers of people caught trying to enter Canada illegally, pending determination of their immigration status, says the paper.

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