Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I am opposed to this clause, as are all members of my party.
Basically, we also have to consider the effects that clauses like this might have on the mental health of inmates. Studies show that there are effects on the mental health of prisoners living in segregation for 30 days; they display more aggressive and unhealthy behaviour. So they will be more dangerous in the future. That is something we must think about.
Anyway, inmates in segregation can only receive visits in areas specifically set up for the purpose, where the visits go on behind glass and by telephone. The measures in place already restrict family visits. So why do we need to go further and abolish them completely? Once more, let me stress that this can have a psychological impact and adversely affect an inmate's chances of rehabilitation.
That greatly concerns me. In my view, it is unnecessary since measures are already in place to restrict visits to someone in segregation.
Finally, like my colleague, I see no administrative limit on this kind of segregation. How is the length of time determined? The clause restricts visits for a maximum of 30 days. But I am concerned about the mental health of the inmates and the negative behaviour that could result from segregation of that kind.