Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, Minister and officials, for being here.
Minister, the numbers coming out of the correctional services are dismal. There are rising numbers of indigenous and black Canadians in prison. SIUs are not functioning as they were legislated and intended. Dr. Doob presented absolutely horrific stats on the SIUs. The correctional investigator highlighted a number of issues that continue to need attention: employment training programs, patient advocates, the use of dry cells and more.
Having been on this committee for five years, I too find it frustrating to ask CSC the same questions time and time again, without change. Earlier today, I asked Dr. Zinger about implementing targets and mandatory reporting for CSC. He responded that the mandate letter provided to the commissioner was good but that it needs timelines and further refinement.
I'm wondering, Minister, if you would consider updating her mandate letter to provide those timelines and put targets in place.