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Correctional Service of Canada

During question period, the Conservative public safety critic said federal corrections officers face daily violence and that patrol posts and resources had been cut since October 1, and asked the minister to focus on protecting prison staff. The public safety minister said the allegations were inaccurate, that he includes the union on his prison tours and engages with frontline staff, and that Canada’s correctional facilities are among the safest in the world. The Conservative member pressed that prisons at Donnacona, La Macaza and Drummond are in poor condition and asked whether the minister had visited them himself; the minister replied that the government supports frontline officers and keeps Canadians safe.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

4 statements

Pierre Paul-Hus

Conservative
“Prison guards face violence every day, but the government cut safety posts and resources. The minister visited a prison and cared more about the inmates than the guards risking their lives. I want the minister to focus on protecting prison staff instead of comforting criminals.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, federal corrections officers face assaults, makeshift weapons and drug overdoses on a daily basis, yet since October 1, patrol posts and other essential resources have been cut, endangering the safety and even the lives of penitentiary staff. The Minister of Public Safety visited Donnacona Institution and, rather than meeting with officers who are risking their lives, he chose to ask inmates if they were comfortable. Will this Liberal minister understand that his responsibility is also to protect the people who work in our prisons before coddling violent criminals?

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Gary Anandasangaree

Liberal
“What the member is saying is not true. Every time I visit a prison, I include the union on the tour. I talk with the staff and thank them for keeping Canadians safe. I will keep working with the union and the frontline workers.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Respect 79 of 100

    This statement targeted a person rather than their actions or views: “where this member is contriving these allegations”.

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  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 100 of 100

    Of this answer, 100% addressed the question that was asked.

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I am not sure where this member is contriving these allegations, but let me be very clear. At every single correctional facility I visit, and I have visited a number of them, we have the union as part of our tours. I very much engage with, and I am very grateful for, the frontline staff who put their lives on the front lines each and every day to protect Canadians. I will continue to work with the union as well as those who are serving on the front lines in order to ensure the safety and security of all Canadians.

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Pierre Paul-Hus

Conservative

Linked statement

“Federal prisons are in terrible shape. Government changes give inmates rights without consequences, while cutting frontline staff and patrols. Has the minister visited these prisons himself, yes or no?”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I do not think the minister visits the same places I do. I have been to Donnacona twice. My colleagues have visited the prisons in La Macaza and Drummond. We have seen what is going on in federal prisons, and it is a total disaster. For the past 10 years, ever since this government introduced their changes, working in these facilities is nothing short of hell. Prisoners have all the rights and face no consequences since Bill C-83 came into force. Now, there are cuts to frontline resources, patrols and officers in key areas. It is not working. Has the minister visited the same prisons as I have, yes or no?

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Gary Anandasangaree

Liberal
“Canada has some of the safest prisons in the world, thanks to our frontline officers. The member's claims are wrong. Our government cares deeply about keeping Canadians safe and supporting our prison workers.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 45 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

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  • Government answer in Question Period

    Signal 40 of 100

    Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, Canada has one of the safest correctional facilities anywhere in the world. Our frontline officers work hard day in and day out to protect Canadians. The allegations that this gentleman is making are quite out of line. I will say that each and every day we will continue to support Canadians. Their safety and security is paramount to us. The conditions of correctional facilities, including those of these hard-working men and women, are also super important to us, and we will always be there to defend them.

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