January 10, 2024

Migrant justice group welcomes end of immigration detention in provincial jails, calls on Canada to stop the practice

The Madhu Verma Migrant Justice Centre welcomes today's news about the end of the contract between the Government of New Brunswick and Canada Border Services Agency to use provincial jails to imprison migrants.

The province had notified the federal agency in June 2023 of its intent to end the contract in 2024.

"This is a long overdue step, and we are pleased to see New Brunswick join so many other provinces in finally ending this inhumane practice," said Tracy Glynn, founding board member of the Madhu Centre.

Research from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch has shown that Canada's practice of incarcerating immigrants in provincial jails has violated human rights law.

"One by one, the provinces have been clear. They want no part of this practice. It is time Canada ended immigration detention altogether," Glynn said.