How do asylum seekers end up in provincial jails?

By The Big Story

In today’s Big Story podcast, it’s not a crime to claim asylum in Canada. It’s a process. But that hasn’t stopped the Canadian Border Services Agency from using an agreement with several provinces to put some of these people directly into provincial jails, where they are housed with, and treated the same as, convicted criminals and those charged with serious crimes and awaiting trial.

The asylum seekers describe inhumane conditions, especially for people who face no charges or accusations. Human rights agencies say it’s a violation of international law. The federal government disagrees, but won’t say much beyond that. How did this happen, and how do we fix it?

Brigitte Bureau, is award-winning investigative reporter with CBC Radio-Canada, and she’s reported on this issue extensively.

“The Canada Border Services Agency can do that. They usually detain people for three reasons. They will detain under the Immigration and Protection Act. Again, not a criminal matter, an administrative law matter,” she said.

GUEST: Brigitte Bureau, award-winning investigative reporter, CBC Radio-Canada

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You can also find it at thebigstorypodcast.ca.

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