Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you for appearing before the committee today.
I want to talk about the use of segregation and solitary confinement. I think one of the reasons the committee decided to embark on our study was the tragic circumstance of Ashley Smith, which I think we're all familiar with. The impression I get is that behavioural problems in prison that stem from underlying mental health problems have often been treated, on a behavioural model, by segregating the person.
I have also developed the distinct impression that inmates do not have access to regular effective programs of therapy that can meaningfully treat their mental health issues. I'm sure there's a variety of reasons for that. I know there's difficulty recruiting mental health professionals; it's a challenge. But I want to know if you can tell us a little more about where you think we need to go in that regard and what resources you may need to provide inmates under your control with that kind of treatment.