B.C. ending immigration detention arrangement with CBSA, citing human rights-صحيفة الصوت

British Columbia is ending an arrangement with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to hold immigration detainees in provincial correctional centres, saying the arrangement doesn’t align with its stance on human rights.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says in a statement the province conducted a review that analyzed all aspects of its contract with the agency, including public safety, and consulted with advocacy groups.

He says it brought to light that aspects of the arrangement don’t align with the government’s commitment to upholding human rights standards or its dedication to pursuing social justice and equity for everyone.

The move comes following calls from human rights advocates in B.C. urging the province to end its contract with the CBSA and stop incarcerating immigrants and refugees in provincial jails.

A coalition of human rights organizations and advocates — including the B.C. Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA), Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International — launched a campaign in October urging Canadians to call on the provincial government to stop allowing the CBSA to use provincial jails to lock up people seeking asylum.

Ketty Nivyabandi, secretary-general of Amnesty International Canada, said in a statement that she commends B.C. on being the first province to make the decision.

“This is a true human rights victory, one which upholds the dignity and rights of people who come to Canada in search of safety or a better life,” she said. 

According to campaign organizers, between April 2019 and March 2020, almost 9,000 people were in immigration detention in Canada, including 138 infants and children. Since 2000, at least 16 people have died in these detention centres.

In the statement, the associate disability rights director at Human Rights Watch Samer Muscati added that he hopes the move will urge other provinces and the federal government to follow suit. 

Farnworth says B.C. Corrections will be providing CBSA with 12 months’ notice as is required under its current contract.

“B.C. Corrections is committed to working with the CBSA to develop a safe and efficient transition plan that achieves our common commitment to public safety while ensuring the rights of individuals are preserved and protected,” Farnworth said.