The G20 and Its Connections to Prisoners’ Justice Organizing

by Giselle Dias The G20 symbolized many different things to each of us but one of the overarching themes (from my perspective) was the level of state repression/oppression/violence. In a statement from the Toronto Community Mobilization Network (June 2010) they stated: “Instead of simplifying our diverse struggles in to one issue, we supported actions for … Continue reading →

Canada’s Inhumane Prison Plan

Conrad Black’s surprisingly progressive analysis of the Conservative government/Correctional Service of Canada’s inaccurately titled “Roadmap to Strengthening Community Safety, from the National Post on Friday, May 28th. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ “This Roadmap–which was released in 2007, and which the Harper government began officially responding to in its budget in 2008, setting out a five-year plan — turns … Continue reading →

June 12th Prisoners’ Justice Community Meeting

Please circulate widely . . . On February 27th, 2010, and then again on April 17th, a group of over 50 people came together to create a coalition that is committed to creating community justice.  The group consists of people from different backgrounds and disparate areas of expertise, but we are all united to find … Continue reading →

NEWS RELEASE FROM PASAN, CTAC AND THE CANADIAN HIV/AIDS LEGAL NETWORK: HIV AND HEPATITIS C CRISIS IN FEDERAL PRISONS

ACCORDING TO NEW CSC REPORT Half the prisoners who reported injecting drugs shared their needles or syringes TORONTO, April 21, 2010 — A report released by the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) earlier this month reveals an HIV prevalence rate in federal prisons that rivals those of many countries in sub-Saharan Africa and is greater … Continue reading →

Man with Hep C may face fourteen years for spitting at cop

by Shawn Syms / National / Wednesday, April 21, 2010/Xtra! magazine _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Man with Hep C may face fourteen years for spitting at cop Kristopher Wentworth was having a really bad day. He was in court and things didn’t look good. He’d robbed a variety store — and stolen a few pills from a girlfriend. … Continue reading →

Prisoners’ Rights Meeting – April 17th

Please circulate widely . . . On February 27th, 2010 a group of over 50 people came together to find ways of opposing the Canadian governments proposed new legislation that will increase prison populations. The government remains committed to building new prisons to accommodate them (despite ‘crime’ rates remaining stable or going down). Without a … Continue reading →

Prison Abolition and Alternatives

from PrisonJustice.ca In support of prisoners and prison justice activism in Canada ______________________________________________________________________ Nine Perspectives for Prison Abolitionists Perspective 1 Imprisonment is morally reprehensible and indefensible and must be abolished. In an enlightened free society, prison cannot endure or it will prevail. Abolition is a long term goal; an ideal. The eradication of any oppressive … Continue reading →

Building a National Prisoners’ Justice Movement

Are you concerned about all the new prisons being built in Canada? The government has proposed new legislation about prisons and the Conservative government is committed to building new prisons. Without a doubt, Canada is moving towards the U.S style of justice. More prisons, less justice. We are a small group of people with big concerns. … Continue reading →

Canada and Haitian Prisons

An article entitled Canada and the empty prison in the heart of Port-au-Prince, appeared in the Toronto Star on Monday, January 25th.  It discusses the deplorable conditions that existed in Haitian prisons before the earthquake, and that  Ottawa, as the primary partner in the Haitian correctional system, has a responsibility to ensure that those conditions … Continue reading →

Excerpt of Fifth Estate story on Ashley Smith

To watch the full report, click here Continue reading →