November 12, 2025
RED FM News Desk
The federal prison ombudsman states that weak policies, insufficient training, and a lack of specialized treatment are hindering the Correctional Service of Canada’s (CSC) efforts to deliver mental health care.
In his latest annual report, Correctional Investigator Ivan Zinger says it is “abundantly clear” that the prison service is fundamentally ill-equipped to provide long-term mental health care to people experiencing acute psychiatric distress, suicidal thoughts, or chronic self-injury.
Zinger argues in the report that in cases involving such serious mental illnesses, transfers to secure, community-based psychiatric hospitals are necessary.
Zinger notes that the Correctional Service of Canada routinely transfers individuals requiring complex physical care—such as chemotherapy or heart surgery—to external hospitals.
He writes: “It would be unthinkable to attempt such procedures in-house. Yet, when it comes to mental health, CSC continues to operate under the misguided belief that it can provide specialized psychiatric care internally.”
The report contains a total of 21 recommendations: 19 directed to the CSC and two directed to the Public Safety Minister.
Loading ...
