Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration left the role of Canada’s prison watchdog unfilled for an extended period, disregarding warnings from the outgoing correctional investigator that such a move would greatly impede the office’s ability to safeguard inmates.
Documents acquired by CBC News through Canada’s Access to Information Act show that former correctional investigator Ivan Zinger cautioned Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree that the failure to appoint a replacement before his departure would result in a significant legal gap.
Following approximately four months of vacancy, an interim investigator was appointed, raising concerns due to the temporary nature of the appointment. The Office of the Correctional Investigator (OCI) functions as an independent overseer for prisoners nationwide, handling an average of 4,000-5,000 complaints annually.
Throughout his tenure as correctional investigator, Zinger highlighted various issues within Canadian prisons, including inadequate access to mental health care and the disproportionate number of Indigenous inmates. Despite providing seven months’ notice to the government before his early departure from the five-year mandate, Zinger expressed frustration at the lack of action in finding his successor.
Zinger’s correspondence revealed the potential severe repercussions of not appointing a new correctional investigator promptly, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the office’s operational effectiveness and compliance with its legislative obligations. Despite the warnings, a permanent replacement has yet to be named by Anandasangaree’s office.
In the absence of a correctional investigator, interim appointee Valerie Phillips assumed the role, acknowledging challenges in strategic planning and decision-making beyond the interim period. Phillips confirmed being granted investigative powers and the authority to address imminent risks within the correctional system.
Zinger expressed concern over the absence of a competitive process for selecting a long-term replacement, emphasizing the importance of impartial oversight in criticizing governmental actions. Advocates for prisoner rights and rehabilitation, such as Sen. Kim Pate and Emilie Coyle, underscored the vital role of the correctional investigator in ensuring independent oversight and addressing critical issues within the prison system.
Opposition figures, including NDP public safety critic Jenny Kwan, criticized the delayed appointment of a permanent correctional investigator, highlighting the pressing need for addressing systemic issues in Canada’s prison system. Kwan emphasized the government’s responsibility in prioritizing public safety and the rights of incarcerated individuals.
