Minister Goodale Announces Stakeholder Roundtables on Canada's New National Immigration Detention Framework

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Sept. 15, 2016) - Canada Border Services Agency

The Government of Canada is committed to creating a better, fairer immigration detention system with a focus on the humane and dignified treatment of individuals while continuing to maintain public safety.

Today, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced a series of roundtables, with key stakeholders across the country, on Canada's new National Immigration Detention Framework. The first round of engagement sessions started on September 13 in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Canada Border Services Agency will hold additional roundtables throughout fall 2016.

The National Immigration Detention Framework was first announced by Minister Goodale on August 15, 2016. It will enhance alternatives to detention and include key investments in federal detention infrastructure.

The stakeholder roundtables will include discussions on the new infrastructure projects that will replace the immigration holding centres in British Columbia and Quebec to dramatically reduce the need for provincial correctional facilities for immigration detention. Stakeholders will also have an opportunity to comment on the development of national policies and standards to improve the treatment of immigration detainees and enhance mental and medical health services. A summary report of the stakeholder roundtables will be posted on the Consulting with Canadians website when finalized in fall 2016.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is committed to working with stakeholders to make Canada's immigration detention system more fair and humane, including the expansion of alternatives to detention. The engagement sessions this week are an important first step in this process."

- Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Quick Facts

• There is an average of 450 to 500 individuals detained under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act at any given time. These make up less than 0.02% of travellers to Canada per year.

Related Products

- Federal Arrangements with Partners and Stakeholders for Immigration Detention

- Arrests, detentions and removals - Detentions

Associated Links

- Statement by the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on Immigration Detention

- Minister Goodale announces investment of up to $138 million for the new National Immigration Detention Framework

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