The discriminatory effect of security classification policy – Open letter to CSC Commissioner Anne Kelly

by Web Master | May 3, 2019 | News, Submissions

The Correctional Service Canada classifies prisoners to higher security if they have a high “institutional adjustment” rating. Prisoners’ Legal Services is concerned that this factor is being applied in a discriminatory way against vulnerable groups, including Indigenous prisoners and those who suffer from mental disabilities. Click here to read our open letter to CSC Commissioner Anne Kelly.

PLS’ Submissions on Bill C-83 – Amendments to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act

by J Metcalfe | Jan 9, 2019 | Submissions

PLS’ Submissions on Bill C-83 – Amendments to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act

On November 19, 2018, Prisoners’ Legal Services made submissions to the federal government on Bill C-83, An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act. Bill C-83 makes changes to the laws on solitary confinement, but PLS argues they don’t go far enough to protect prisoners’ rights.

Read PLS’ submissions here.

Read the Canadian Bar Association’s submissions here

International law ethical guidelines for medical professionals working in prisons

by J Metcalfe | Oct 10, 2018 | Submissions

International law ethical guidelines for medical professionals working in prisons

International law requires health care providers who work in prisons not to participate actively or passively in torture or other cruel treatment or punishment. Prisoners’ Legal Services has written to the CSC and BC Correctional Health Services asking them to adopt guidelines for health care professionals that would comply with international law.

Click here to see our recommendations to the BC Correctional Health Service

Click here to see our recommendations to CSC

Prisoners’ Legal Services
302-7818 6th Street
Burnaby, BC

Tel: 604-636-0470
Fax: 604-636-0480

Email: info@pls-bc.ca

We are grateful for the
funding provided by

How to Show Your Support

Help us to continue to fight for the human rights of prisoners in BC! PLS is currently litigating the important systemic issues of the segregation of prisoners with mental disabilities, access to health care, transgender prisoner rights, and access to religion and Indigenous spirituality. We need help to continue to do this important work. Donations to West Coast Prison Justice Society are non-charitable and are not tax deductible.

Donations can be made to
West Coast Prison Justice Society

Or by PayPal:

Please call us at 604-636-0470 or email us at info@pls-bc.ca if you would like to discuss your donation.

Thanks for your support!

Submissions regarding Canada’s Third Universal Periodic Review

by J Metcalfe | Aug 23, 2018 | News, Submissions

Submissions regarding Canada’s Third Universal Periodic Review

On July 16, 2018, PLS attended a meeting with representatives from the Department of Canadian Heritage regarding Canada’s United Nations Human Rights Council third universal periodic review of Canada. 107 member states participated in Canada’s review and made 275 recommendations for Canada to improve its human rights record. PLS identified the recommendations that highlighted the issues faced by prisoners in Canada and provided a written submission.

Prisoners’ Legal Services
302-7818 6th Street
Burnaby, BC

Tel: 604-636-0470
Fax: 604-636-0480

Email: info@pls-bc.ca

We are grateful for the
funding provided by

How to Show Your Support

Help us to continue to fight for the human rights of prisoners in BC! PLS is currently litigating the important systemic issues of the segregation of prisoners with mental disabilities, access to health care, transgender prisoner rights, and access to religion and Indigenous spirituality. We need help to continue to do this important work. Donations to West Coast Prison Justice Society are non-charitable and are not tax deductible.

Donations can be made to
West Coast Prison Justice Society

Or by PayPal:

Please call us at 604-636-0470 or email us at info@pls-bc.ca if you would like to discuss your donation.

Thanks for your support!

PLS appears before the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights

by J Metcalfe | Aug 23, 2018 | News, Submissions

PLS appears before the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights

On August 11, 2018, Prisoners’ Legal Services appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights for its study on the human rights of prisoners in Canada. We recommend that Canada invest in community-based alternatives to incarceration, and to provide trauma-informed mental health services to prisoners with mental health issues. We call on the government to abolish solitary confinement. You can read our written brief here.

Prisoners’ Legal Services
302-7818 6th Street
Burnaby, BC

Tel: 604-636-0470
Fax: 604-636-0480

Email: info@pls-bc.ca

We are grateful for the
funding provided by

How to Show Your Support

Help us to continue to fight for the human rights of prisoners in BC! PLS is currently litigating the important systemic issues of the segregation of prisoners with mental disabilities, access to health care, transgender prisoner rights, and access to religion and Indigenous spirituality. We need help to continue to do this important work. Donations to West Coast Prison Justice Society are non-charitable and are not tax deductible.

Donations can be made to
West Coast Prison Justice Society

Or by PayPal:

Please call us at 604-636-0470 or email us at info@pls-bc.ca if you would like to discuss your donation.

Thanks for your support!

Status of Women – Study on Indigenous Women Prisoners

by J Metcalfe | Dec 12, 2017 | Aboriginal Prisoners, News, Submissions

Status of Women – Study on Indigenous Women Prisoners

Prisoners’ Legal Services executive director, Jennifer Metcalfe, appeared today before the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women as part of their current study on Indigenous women prisoners. Click here to read her speaking notes and here to read our brief.

Ms. Metcalfe called on government to engage with First Nations and Indigenous organizations for self-determination in the administration of correctional services, and to ensure that they are well resourced to provide full wrap-around support for women who have experienced multi-generational trauma.

Prisoners’ Legal Services
302-7818 6th Street
Burnaby, BC

Tel: 604-636-0470
Fax: 604-636-0480

Email: info@pls-bc.ca

We are grateful for the
funding provided by

How to Show Your Support

Help us to continue to fight for the human rights of prisoners in BC! PLS is currently litigating the important systemic issues of the segregation of prisoners with mental disabilities, access to health care, transgender prisoner rights, and access to religion and Indigenous spirituality. We need help to continue to do this important work. Donations to West Coast Prison Justice Society are non-charitable and are not tax deductible.

Donations can be made to
West Coast Prison Justice Society

Or by PayPal:

Please call us at 604-636-0470 or email us at info@pls-bc.ca if you would like to discuss your donation.

Thanks for your support!