Introduced as a private member’s bill. (These don’t often become law.)
Status
Defeated, as of March 22, 2023
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Summary
This is from the published bill.
This enactment amends the Criminal Code to provide that, on request by a person who is sentenced to imprisonment in a penitentiary, a court may, if certain conditions are met, make a recommendation that the person serve their sentence, or a part of it, in custody in a penitentiary that has been designated as an addiction treatment facility. The enactment also amends the Corrections and Conditional Release Act to, among other things, provide for the designation of a penitentiary as an addiction treatment facility and require the Correctional Service of Canada to ensure that a person in respect of whom a recommendation is made that they serve their sentence, or a part of it, in a designated facility is placed in such a facility as soon as reasonably possible.
Elsewhere
All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.
Bill numbers are reused for different bills each new session. Perhaps you were looking for one of these other C-283s:
C-283 (2016)
An Act to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (electronic products recycling program)
C-283 (2013)
Independent and Effective Office of the Veterans' Ombudsman Act
C-283 (2011)
Independent and Effective Office of the Veterans' Ombudsman Act
Votes
March 22, 2023Failed 2nd reading of Bill C-283, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (addiction treatment in penitentiaries)
This is a computer-generated summary of the speeches below.
Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Bill C-283 aims to amend the Criminal Code and the Corrections and Conditional Release Act by allowing the Commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada to designate addiction treatment facilities within penitentiaries. It would also allow judges to recommend that offenders with substance use issues serve their sentences in these designated facilities, provided they meet certain conditions and consent to treatment. The goal is to reduce recidivism by addressing the root causes of crime through rehabilitation and offering a path to recovery for incarcerated individuals.
Conservative
Supports addiction treatment: The Conservative party supports Bill C-283, which seeks to amend the Criminal Code and the Corrections and Conditional Release Act to expand sentencing options and provide addiction treatment in federal penitentiaries, aiming to break the cycle of reoffending.
Addresses revolving door: Conservatives believe the bill will help end the "revolving door" of individuals with addiction entering and exiting the justice system without proper treatment, addressing public safety concerns and straining on resources.
Provides additional tool: While not a panacea, Conservatives view the bill as an important tool to reduce recidivism, address the mental health and addiction crisis, and improve public safety by empowering the Correctional Service of Canada to designate addiction treatment facilities and offering judges the option to sentence offenders to addiction treatment within penitentiaries.
Innovative solution: Conservatives see the bill as an innovative, safe, and non-divisive solution to address addiction and recidivism, turning existing penitentiary infrastructure into rehabilitation facilities and giving inmates a chance to recover and live law-abiding lives.
NDP
Supports treatment access: The NDP supports removing barriers to treatment for substance misuse, including for those in penitentiaries. The party agrees that the lack of supports contributes to recidivism in the criminal justice system and that everyone should have access to the supports they need.
Against one-size-fits-all: The bill assumes a one-size-fits-all program, but the NDP believes culturally appropriate, accessible programming is important and needs to meet people where they are at. Harm reduction and trauma-informed supports save lives and should be part of the solution.
Problematic exclusions: The bill excludes individuals convicted of certain offences, such as drug trafficking. There is no evidence to suggest that those charged with trafficking substances would not be successful if willing and able to participate in a good-fit treatment program for substance misuse.
Bill misses the mark: While well-intentioned, the bill misses the mark in providing effective solutions to the toxic substance crisis. The NDP hopes this debate will pressure the Liberals to invest in what is needed to save lives and address the root causes of addiction.
Bloc
Supporting bill C-283: The Bloc Québécois supports Bill C-283, which aims to help rehabilitate inmates struggling with addiction by allowing them to serve their sentences in designated addiction treatment facilities or programs. They believe this bill could be a step in the right direction for offenders in Quebec and Canada.
Rehabilitation is crucial: Rehabilitation is seen as a key pillar of the justice system, offering a second chance to those who have made mistakes and preventing the cycle of crime. The Bloc believes in the importance of rehabilitation and inclusion for a healthy democracy.
Federal penitentiary shortcomings: Federal penitentiaries have a poor record of rehabilitating inmates with addictions. The Bloc emphasizes that incarceration alone does not solve addiction problems and that providing resources for support and treatment is essential.
Quebec as a model: Quebec's drug treatment courts and broader rehabilitation strategies are highlighted as successful models, reducing recidivism rates significantly. The Bloc contrasts Quebec's success with the deficiencies in federal penitentiary rehabilitation programs.
Liberal
Opposes the bill: The Liberal party opposes Bill C-283. They believe isolating treatment services could create negative outcomes for offenders and the bill could have a number of unintended negative consequences, including for overrepresented populations in the federal correctional system, such as indigenous and Black offenders.
Existing government initiatives: The government emphasizes that substance abuse is already treated as a health and social issue with programs available to all offenders in federal institutions. The party also refers to Bill C-5, which aims to reduce reliance on mandatory minimum penalties and promote non-criminal approaches to drug possession.
Framework to reduce recidivism: The Liberal speakers point to the federal framework to reduce recidivism as the appropriate avenue to explore ideas related to addiction treatment for offenders. This framework addresses barriers like housing, education, employment, health, and support networks and identifies substance use among offenders as an urgent issue.
Bill's oversights and exceptions: The Liberal speakers highlight that the bill excludes offenders serving longer sentences or those convicted of certain offences (e.g., involving weapons or drug trafficking) from accessing designated addiction treatment facilities. These exclusions disproportionately affect indigenous and Black offenders who are already overrepresented in the prison system.
