The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has launched an investigation into the rates of phone calls within correctional facilities across Canada. This inquiry was initiated following concerns raised about the exorbitant long-distance charges imposed on families of inmates in Ontario jails. A proposed class-action lawsuit alleges that Bell Canada, which operated the phone system in Ontario jails from 2013 to 2021, levied excessive fees, including a $1 flat rate for local calls and approximately $1 per minute plus a $2.50 connection fee for long-distance calls. One plaintiff reported monthly bills exceeding $1,000 due to collect calls from his incarcerated son. Bell Canada reportedly generated over $64 million in gross revenue from these calls during this period, sharing almost $39 million with the province as commission. This lawsuit has traversed a complex legal path, moving from the courts to the CRTC and potentially back to the courts again.
While the CRTC recently declared a lack of jurisdiction over the specific Ontario case, it acknowledged broader concerns regarding the affordability and accessibility of telecommunication services within correctional facilities nationwide. The commission expressed its commitment to gather further information and assess the need for regulatory intervention. This decision, though frustrating for those seeking immediate legal recourse, signifies a positive step towards addressing the systemic issue of inflated inmate calling rates. Advocates for inmate rights view the CRTC’s initiative as a promising development that could lead to much-needed reforms in the telecommunications landscape within correctional institutions.
Maintaining communication with family and community is crucial for the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates back into society. This connection is particularly vital in the initial days and weeks of incarceration, a period often marked by heightened stress and vulnerability. For inmates with pre-existing mental health conditions, the disruption in treatment continuity caused by incarceration underscores the critical importance of accessible communication. Furthermore, enabling regular contact with loved ones can significantly contribute to reducing recidivism and enhancing public safety. The prolonged separation and isolation experienced by inmates without adequate access to communication can lead to alienation and resentment, hindering their prospects for successful reintegration and potentially contributing to a cycle of criminal behavior.
The majority of inmates in Ontario’s provincial correctional facilities are awaiting trial or bail, highlighting the importance of affordable communication during this pre-conviction period. These individuals are often held for relatively short periods, typically for sentences of less than two years, further emphasizing the need for easily accessible and affordable communication to maintain vital family and community ties. The exorbitant costs of phone calls can place a significant financial burden on families, particularly those with limited resources, further compounding the challenges faced by both inmates and their loved ones. This financial strain can impede the crucial support system that aids in rehabilitation and successful reintegration.
Numerous accounts from families of incarcerated individuals illustrate the frequency and importance of communication during periods of confinement. Inmates often rely on these calls to connect with family, lawyers, medical professionals, and other members of their support network. The high cost of calls, especially long-distance calls, acts as a barrier to maintaining these vital connections. Examples of families incurring hundreds of dollars in phone bills over relatively short periods of incarceration underscore the financial burden imposed by the current system. The disparity between the rates charged for inmate calls and standard phone rates further highlights the exploitation inherent in the existing system.
The CRTC’s investigation holds the potential to bring about significant change, particularly if it emulates the approach taken by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States. The FCC has implemented caps on inmate calling rates, recognizing the vulnerability of incarcerated individuals and the lack of market competition within correctional facilities. This intervention aims to prevent price gouging and ensure reasonable access to communication for inmates. Advocates hope that the CRTC will follow suit and establish similar regulations to protect inmates and their families from exorbitant charges. The ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the proposed class-action lawsuit will also play a key role in determining the future of inmate phone rates in Canada. The outcome of these legal challenges, combined with the CRTC’s investigation, will likely shape the landscape of telecommunications within correctional facilities for years to come.
