On February 20, 2018, the Honourable Marie France Lalonde, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services (MCSCS), introduced new legislation in the Legislative Assembly; Bill 195, the Correctional Services Transformation Act, 2018.
The proposed legislation aims to improve conditions and increase transparency, as the province works towards transformation of its adult correctional system. OCNIG has had several opportunities to consult with the MCSCS on this important legislation. The bill is posted on the Legislative Assembly of Ontario website at: http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&Intranet=&Bi…. I encourage every correctional nurse to read, think critically about what it means for our work environments, our clients and our profession.
If passed, the proposed legislation will:
1. Set rules around, and clearly define, segregation by aligning with international standards (Mandela Rules).
2. Improve conditions of confinement by requiring minimum standards for living conditions that would apply to all adults in custody.
3. Increase transparency and accountability by establishing an Inspector General and independent review panels to ensure compliance with the new legislation and all policies.
4. Create disciplinary hearings officers with the authority to make decisions about sanctions for serious acts of misconduct by inmates.
5. Clearly define in legislation the health care services that incarcerated individuals should have access to, including treatment of disease or injury, health promotion, disease prevention, dental care, vision care, mental health and addictions care, and traditional Indigenous healing and medicines.
The proposed legislation will replace the Ministry of Correctional Services Act and outlines a bold vision for the future of correctional services in Ontario. It affirms the Ministry's obligation to provide safe and humane custody and care, including appropriate, patient-centered, equitable health care services that respects clinical independence.
Bill 195 has not yet been enacted and that means there is an opportunity for feedback. The OCNIG executive committee will be reviewing the document with a fine-tooth comb and providing feedback to the Minister's office prior to the second reading. If you have a perspective that you would like to share with us, please let us know as soon as possible. You can reach us at: ontariocorrectionalnurses@gmail.com
The ability to attain lasting, meaningful change in correctional services requires a solid foundation to build upon and I think this new legislation is the foundation we need.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon,
Shirley Kennedy
OCNIG President