Senator Kim Pate

Despite Canada aspirations to be a leader internationally with respect to human rights, those most marginalized in Canada, especially as a result of gender, race, class, and ability, are not afforded the rights and supports that others take for granted. By failing to redress inequality, current government support programs too often entrench instead of eliminate poverty, unequal opportunities, systemic racism and exclusionary barriers.

This failure of every other system to address underlying social, health and financial needs leads to mass criminalization and incarceration, particularly among racialized and disadvantaged communities.

Over twenty years ago, when Indigenous Peoples were 12% of those in federal prisons, the Supreme Court declared this reality a crisis. Over the past two decades, despite attempts to address increasing reliance on prisons, the crisis has increased exponentially and the situation is dire.

Currently, Black Canadians comprise of 3.5% of Canada’s population, and yet represent 9.2% of those in federal prisons. Indigenous Peoples represent 5% of those in Canada and 32% of the federal prison population. Half of women in federal prisons are Indigenous.