politics
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When my loved one first told me that the prison keeps $150 from an inmate’s account for a body bag, I laughed and asked, “Why? Do they expect inmates to leave that way?” The more I learn about the correctional system, the more I understand why that policy exists. Deaths in custody happen more often…
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For anyone who has never had a loved one incarcerated, the phrase “file a grievance” might sound reasonable. After all, grievances are supposed to exist to resolve problems fairly, investigate concerns, and hold institutions accountable. But for many inmates and their families, filing a grievance feels less like a solution and more like a way…
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There’s a particular kind of fear that lives in a parent who is incarcerated, the fear of not being able to protect your child. It is not abstract. It is constant. You don’t know who they are around, what they are exposed to or whether they feel safe. you cannot show up if something goes…
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Pay close attention. As of April 2026, Canada is shifting toward stricter bail and sentencing laws in response to rising concerns about violent crime. At the same time, governments are planning massive infrastructure expansions to address overcrowding in correctional facilities. This is where I begin to question our priorities. Are we investing in rehabilitation, or…
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Doing time is hard, especially in an isolated environment with limited stimulation. The walls are not just physical barriers; they slowly close in on the mind. Days become repetitive, quiet, and emotionally draining. In many institutions, the routine rarely changes, and the lack of meaningful activity can leave people feeling forgotten and disconnected from the…
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For generations, Canadians have been taught to believe in the fairness of our justice system. We are told that police investigate objectively, that prosecutors pursue truth rather than victories, and that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. But recent concerns and investigations surrounding the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have forced many people to confront a…
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The jury system is often described as the gold standard of democratic justice. Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, individuals charged with serious offences have the right to be tried by a jury of their peers. The idea sounds fair: twelve ordinary citizens, neutral and impartial, deciding whether the Crown has proven guilt beyond…
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There is a particular kind of fear that comes from sitting in a courtroom and realizing the person meant to defend you is not fighting. You are told to trust the process. You are told the system is fair. You are told that if you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be provided for you.…
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Institutions love frameworks. There are policies, procedures, operational directives, case management plans, reintegration models, rehabilitation pathways. On paper, everything works. There is a flow chart for progress. A form for every request. A policy for every complaint. A designated staff member for every concern. But inside, the framework often does not work for the inmate.…
