Whereas the Canada Border Services Agency CBSA has used Provincial prisons to detain tens of thousands of migrants while they await the resolution of their immigration or refugee matters, 94 per cent of whom are held for administrative reasons posing no risk to the public and include children, survivors trauma or persecution, and persons with disabilities including mental health conditions; And whereas in a March 2022 submission to the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, BCs Office of the Human Rights Commissioner stated that in the current immigration detention system people with disabilities and racialized people experience harsher treatment and are detained for longer periods of time, and there is strong evidence that current practices contravene BCs Human Rights Code and international human rights conventions: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the Province of British Columbia to terminate its immigration detention agreement with the Canada Border Services Agency, stop incarcerating immigration detainees in BC jails, and call on the federal government to do away with immigration detention altogether.
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General In the fall of 2021, Government committed to a review of BC Corrections arrangement with the Canada Border Services Agency on holding immigration detainees in provincial correctional centres. This review examined all aspects of the arrangement, including impacts to public safety, to ensure it aligned with BC Corrections mandate and with international and national legal frameworks. In light of the findings, in July 2022 the Province provided the Canada Border Services Agency with 12 months written notice to end the arrangement. The decision to withdraw from the arrangement is reflective of BC Corrections commitment to advance correctional practice and dedication to pursuing social justice and equity for everyone. The notice given to cease holding immigration detainees is consistent with the terms of the arrangement. Following BCs decision, a number of provinces across the country have also announced intentions to end their arrangements with Canada Border Services Agency. BC Corrections is committed to working with the Canada Border Services Agency to develop a safe and efficient transition plan that achieves our common commitment to public safety while ensuring the rights of individuals are preserved and protected.