June 1st, 2023

Mamakwa demands mental health supports to break cycle of incarceration in Northern Ontario

QUEEN'S PARK - NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong) urged the Ford government to fulfill its promises and take immediate action to address the pressing need for increased treatment in provincial jails, particularly amidst the ongoing addiction crisis. The ongoing situation demands urgent attention, as highlighted by the findings of the Ontario Human Rights Commission's chair during their 2017 visit to the provincial jail in Kenora, where all inmates were found to be grappling with mental health and addiction disorders.

"I visited the Kenora facility last week, and I can tell you the situation in our jails has not improved since this government took office. Many Indigenous men and women who go through the system in Northern Ontario do not belong in jail due to the effects of inter-generational trauma and poverty. These are not criminals - these are human beings - many of them are very young and need access to health care and mental health support. We need to recognize the humanity of these people.

The answer is not building more facilities. These jails have become factories that harm Indigenous peoples, perpetuating an ongoing cycle of incarceration that begins in the child welfare system. If there were adequate addiction and mental health treatments available in the north, then there would not be nearly as many people in jails in the first place.

This government must acknowledge their harmful actions and ensure that the mental health and addiction crisis no longer fills Ontario's jails with young people. Provincial correctional facilities in the North need to be appropriate for communities, workers, and inmates.”