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Correctional Service of Canada

Question period raised reports that Correctional Service Canada had supplied paper straws in federal prisons, with a Conservative member saying inmates could use them to snort drugs and asking the government to end the practice immediately. The Liberal minister said he was concerned about these items being distributed, noted that Correctional Service Canada operates independently under its own guidelines, and said the practice had been paused after discussions with employees and labour partners, adding that the government continues to work on keeping drugs out of prisons and keeping staff safe.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

3 statements

Arpan Khanna

Conservative

Linked statement

“Federal prisons are giving paper straws to inmates so they can snort cocaine. The government is using public money to help prisoners use dangerous drugs. This will make them more dangerous when they get out.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, Canadians were shocked to learn that, under the Liberals, federal prisons are handing out paper straws for inmates to snort cocaine with. That is right; there are taxpayer-funded paper straws behind prison walls. The Liberals are literally helping inmates do dangerous drugs, which will make them even more dangerous when they come out of jail. I know they have no use for paper— Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

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Arpan Khanna

Conservative
“I want the government to stop giving paper straws to prisoners today.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I know the Liberals are looking for a new use for their paper straws, but this is insane. Will the member end this today?

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Gary Anandasangaree

Liberal
“We are worried about these items being given out in federal prisons. The prison agency makes its own choices, and it has paused this plan after talking with workers and unions. We will keep working to stop illegal drugs in prisons and keep staff safe.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, we are concerned by the distribution of these items in federal penitentiaries. Correctional Service Canada is an independent agency and follows its own established guidelines and frameworks. I have been made aware that, following discussions with employees and labour partners, Correctional Service Canada has decided to pause the implementation of these additional measures. Our government will always work to protect Canadians and correctional staff and combat the flow of illicit drugs, including in federal penitentiaries.

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