Interview

Canada: "a drop in the ocean"

Canadian prisons are facing challenges in dealing with the epidemic. How does the Canadian prison system work? How are the authorities responding to the health crisis?

As 2020 drew to a close, the pandemic worsened dramatically in Canadian prisons. More prisoners were infected between December and January than there were in the first nine months. How does the Canadian prison system work? How are the authorities responding to the health crisis?

The Quebec chapter of the John Howard Society is an organisation that addresses the problem of crime and its consequences. It strives to help those who are at risk of, or who have come into, conflict with the law but also their families and friends. Prison Insider asked Samira Figuigui, the executive director, three questions.

The architecture, operation, and hygiene of provincial institutions are similar to those of French jails.

People who contact the John Howard Society, both prisoners or family members, always share the same fear: contracting the virus.

Prisoners have to be able to give their consent to treatment, just like members of the general population do.