# Canada's rising use of isolation cells despite solitary confinement ban Observation and dry cell placements surge 53% and 82% respectively since 2018, disproportionately affecting Indigenous inmates - **Source:** [National Post - RSS Feed](https://nationalpost.com/) - **Published:** 2026-09-26 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/eb7c511b-eaca-4200-8b7c-67fa8fb9f4a1 ## Isolation by another name Canada officially banned solitary confinement but continues using observation cells (24/7 monitored bare rooms) and dry cells (without plumbing) that meet international definitions of solitary. These cells are used for self-harm prevention or contraband recovery, with placements lasting indefinitely. Videos show prisoners being pepper-sprayed, restrained, and forcibly moved into these cells despite pleading against it. The Mandela Rules define solitary as 22+ hours without meaningful human contact. ## Sharp increase in usage Observation cell placements rose 53% from 859 cases in 2018 to 1,316 in 2024, totaling 8,000+ uses in six years. Dry cell usage spiked 82% from 160 to 291 instances between 2022-2024. Regional Psychiatric Centre in Saskatoon leads in usage due to housing mentally ill inmates. Federal policy authorizes 'enhanced observation' only as last resort for suicide risk or severe mental illness, but oversight remains discretionary. ## Indigenous overrepresentation Indigenous men's observation cell placements more than doubled (284 to 674) from 2018-2024, while white men's increased only 5.6%. Prisoners' Legal Services obtained videos showing disproportionate force used during transfers. Joey Toutsaint, an Indigenous inmate, was pepper-sprayed after neck suture picking post-suicide attempt. CSC claims to review Indigenous offender trends but provides no systemic solutions for the disparity. ## Psychological toll documented Former inmate Kenny Allen describes 15 years of repeated observation cell placements as 'dehumanizing,' recalling being strapped to stretchers and denied basic hygiene. Toutsaint recounts no clothing, bedding, or outside communication during placements. Videos show prisoners attempting self-harm against restraints. A 2021 Nova Scotia court ruled dry cells constitute solitary confinement after a woman spent 15+ days in one suspected of vaginal smuggling. ## Systemic alternatives lacking Correctional officers argue observation cells 'save lives' during suicide attempts, while critics call for prohibiting isolation for mentally ill inmates. The John Howard Society proposes dedicated prison sections for vulnerable individuals instead of isolation, requiring additional staffing. Current practice favors containment due to overcrowding and under-resourcing. Body scanners could replace some dry cell uses but aren't universally implemented. ## Legal and operational gaps Prison wardens have final authority over placements despite required health assessments. No immediate appeal process exists for inmates. CSC seized contraband 400+ times post-dry cell use since 2019-20, justifying the practice. However, 53 videos obtained via Privacy Act requests show excessive force during transfers. Public Safety Minister's office declined to comment on footage veracity or systemic reforms. ## International standards violation Canada violates Mandela Rules by using isolation for prisoners with mental health conditions that worsen in confinement. Rules permit solitary only as exceptional last resort, prohibited for those with disabilities. Former correctional investigator Howard Sapers notes these practices operate 'off the books' through euphemistic terminology. Indigenous prisoners face compounded trauma through repeated placements without culturally responsive interventions. ## Correctional culture critique Experts attribute rising isolation to overburdened staff taking 'simplest way' to manage security risks. The federal correctional officers' union president acknowledges observation cells' necessity but offers no solutions for reducing reliance. Prisoners' Legal Services documents show Indigenous inmates endure prolonged restraints and surveillance without proportional mental health support. Toutsaint calls the practice 'torture' after swallowing razor blades triggered his last placement. ## Accountability vacuum CSC spokesperson Laurence Côté cites 'strong oversight' requirements but provides no evidence of consistent monitoring. Videos reveal officers describing resistant inmates as 'challenges' on camera before shutting recordings. No ministerial response addresses the Investigative Journalism Bureau's findings. With Indigenous inmates representing 32% of male prisoners but 51% of observation cell placements, systemic bias persists despite Canada's public commitments to reconciliation. ## Sources covering this story - https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/hidden-solitary-confinement-canadas-prisons — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._