Correctional Service Canada (CSC) has released a response to the prison workers union’s criticism of the needle exchange program at Agassiz’s Mountain Institution.
The regional Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO) recently released a statement decrying the Prison Needle Exchange Program, which is in place in 10 federal institutions across Canada, including medium-security Mountain Institution.
Regional UCCO president John Randle denounced PNEP, stating it would only aggravate ongoing addiction issues among the inmate population and is contributing to the province’s overdose problem.
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A recent release from the Coroners Service of British Columbia indicates 2,511 people died last year due to fatal drug poising in an ongoing opioid and overdose crisis in the province.
CSC acknowledged the opioid crisis has affected institutions as much as any other part of Canadian society.
“In recognition that substance use is a health issue, CSC has implemented a range of prevention, treatment, and harm reduction measures to work with incarcerated individuals in response to this need and to help prevent overdoses,” the CSC stated in a release sent out Monday, Feb. 12.
CSC defended PNEP as a means to prevent inmates from sharing needles to limit the spread of blood-borne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C. To participate in PNEP, inmates must complete a threat risk assessment to determine whether or not an inmate can suitably possess a needle.
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In addition to PNEP, CSC has overdose prevention services in place and provides training to staff to educate them on substance use and the stigma that comes with it.
“Addressing substance use is first and foremost a health issue, and we continue to break down stigma while providing effective and appropriate treatments,” the CSC stated. “By implementing multiple, targeted initiatives to our incarcerated population to prevent and manage drug use, including opioid use, we have shown that we are committed to the individuals under our care.”
The CSC further said there are plans to expand overdose prevention programs and PNEP across Canada.