British Columbia Ends Detention Arrangement for Immigration with CBSA

by Mansi Sahai Published on 26/Jul/2022

British Columbia is ending its arrangement with CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) to hold immigration detainees in provincial jails, stating that it doesn't align with their human rights stance.

This decision by the British Columbia government will be a significant milestone toward ending immigration detention in all the provincial correctional centres in Canada.

In a statement issued last Thursday, Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said that the "province conducted a review that analyzed its contract with the agency, including public safety, and consulted with advocacy groups. The review highlighted that aspects of the arrangement do not align with our government's commitment to upholding human rights standards or our dedication to pursuing social justice and equity for everyone.''

As per the review report, the number of detainees in provincial jails declined, but "high-risk detainees'' were being held at correctional centres/ It also notified that while CBSA compensates British Columbia Corrections for holding detainees, it doesn't cover the overall cost.

The report stated, "This is a trend that is likely to continue given the overall reduction in the number of detainees in provincial custody. If the arrangement ended, these resources could be used to support B.C. Corrections' clients, including individuals in custody with complex needs and behaviours.''