OTTAWA - The federal prison ombudsman has raised serious concerns about the Correctional Service of Canada's ability to provide adequate mental health care. In his latest annual report, correctional investigator Ivan Zinger states that weak policies, inadequate training, and a lack of specialized treatment are significant barriers to effective mental health services in federal prisons.

Zinger emphasizes that the prison service is not equipped to handle long-term mental health care for individuals facing severe psychiatric issues, including suicidal thoughts and chronic self-injury. He argues that in such cases, transfers to secure, community-based psychiatric hospitals are essential. "It would be unthinkable to attempt such procedures in-house," Zinger writes, referring to the routine transfers of inmates needing complex physical care, such as chemotherapy or heart surgery, to external hospitals.

The report is based on findings from six national investigations conducted by Zinger's office, which included 425 interviews with incarcerated individuals and those on community release. The investigations also involved site visits and discussions with institutional staff, community stakeholders, Indigenous organizations, and provincial correctional authorities.

Zinger's office found that the lack of clear, effective national policies has resulted in inconsistent and confusing mental health services. Insufficient training for staff on how to interact with individuals with mental health issues has further deteriorated the quality of care. The report highlights that ineffective screening and assessment processes have led to poor identification of mental health needs, leaving many without access to necessary services.

Additionally, Zinger noted a shortage of specialized programming and treatment options that could aid in the successful reintegration of offenders. The report specifically examined the five Regional Treatment Centres operated by the Correctional Service, which are described as hybrid facilities that function under both federal and provincial health regulations. Zinger found that these centres primarily serve as intermediate and geriatric care facilities, lacking the capacity to handle acute mental health emergencies.

He argues that individuals with serious psychiatric needs should be transferred to specialized external facilities, as continuing to house them in treatment centres is ineffective and a violation of human rights. Zinger criticized the federal government's recent announcement of a $1.3 billion replacement facility for the Atlantic region, calling it a "profound misallocation of resources." He suggested that the government should instead collaborate with provincial health systems to increase access to secure psychiatric beds in the community.

In response to Zinger's report, the Correctional Service rejected the recommendations, asserting that it has a health system designed to meet the needs of inmates. The service stated that its health services, including the Regional Treatment Centres, are accredited by Accreditation Canada. It also mentioned a partnership with the Institut Philippe-Pinel de Montréal for inpatient psychiatric care, contingent on meeting specific admission criteria.

The Correctional Service plans to continue engaging with provincial psychiatric hospitals to enhance existing capacity. It is also conducting a comprehensive review of its Regional Treatment Centres to standardize service provision and ensure that care aligns with the needs of inmates. The new facility planned for Dorchester, N.B., is described as a "modern, bilingual, purpose-built health care facility" aimed at advancing a patient-centered health care model within the prison system.