Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government has left the position of Canada’s prison watchdog unfilled for several months, even after clear warnings from the outgoing correctional investigator that this could seriously weaken the office’s ability to protect inmates.
Records obtained by under Canada’s Access to Information Act show that former correctional investigator Ivan Zinger informed Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree that not filling his position before he departed “would create a serious legal void.”
After being vacant for about four months, the role was temporarily filled by an interim investigator – a decision that has raised its own concerns due to its temporary status.
The Office of the Correctional Investigator (OCI) functions as an independent watchdog for prisoners nationwide, handling around 4,000-5,000 complaints each year.
In previous years, its efforts have prompted major inquiries, like the investigation into Kingston’s Prison for Women in the mid-1990s which revealed violations of prisoners’ rights and “cruel, inhumane and degrading” treatment of women there.
During his tenure as correctional investigator, Zinger highlighted various issues within Canada’s prisons such as insufficient access to mental health care and the disproportionate number of Indigenous inmates.
Last year he announced he would be stepping down early from his five-year term.
Zinger told that he had given the government seven months’ notice so they could appoint a new correctional investigator before he left in February.
“As my departure date approached very closely, I became increasingly frustrated that nothing had been done by the government. There was no job posting or plan to replace me. So I grew concerned,” he said.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree arrives at a caucus meeting on Parliament Hill in March. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)
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NDP public safety critic Jenny Kwan expresses multiple concerns lingering surrounding country prisons indicating priority must take action tackling over-incarceration Indigenous populations inadequate psychological support hindering rehabilitation reintegration societal terms.
Kwan articulated belief situation remains low on governmental agenda saying “Zingers notices shouldn’t necessitate prompting call immediate fulfillment vacancy.”
Kwan concluded stating present state reflects dire need accountability heightening alarm Canadians overseeing public safety ministers responsibility.”
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Warning of ‘far-reaching’ consequences
In a letter obtained by dated Jan. 5, Zinger warned Anandasangaree that without a correctional investigator, the office couldn’t start any new non-routine investigations into issues within Canada’s prison system; issue special or annual reports; or alert prison psychologists or wardens about confidential information gathered during investigations such as suicide risks or an inmate’s intentions to harm other prisoners or staff members. “As these examples show, failing to appoint either an interim or permanent CI [correctional investigator] promptly would have significant and far-reaching consequences,” Zinger wrote. “In my view, sufficient notice was given to allow appropriate steps for identifying a temporary or permanent successor.” In an earlier letter to Anandasangaree dated July 16, 2025 – shortly after announcing his intention to step down – Zinger stated it was “critical” for his position to be filled before he left. “The role holds exclusive statutory authorities and investigative powers that cannot be delegated,” he cautioned the minister. “Thus, it’s vital that this position be filled by February 2, 2026, ensuring the office stays operational and compliant with its legislative mandate.” Zinger’s letters shed light on a larger issue: delays in recent years regarding filling certain government appointments have left some organizations without key personnel for weeks or months at a time. A CBC news analysis in 2023 revealed that out of 206 government bodies or institutions examined regarding governor-in-council appointments, 416 out of 1,731 positions – nearly one-quarter – were either vacant or held by someone whose appointment had lapsed. “It’s administrative delays upon delays. And bureaucratic inertia if not outright incompetence,” Zinger told . Despite Zinger’s warnings, Anandasangaree still hasn’t appointed a permanent replacement. His office states “a process to identify a full-time replacement is underway” but has not provided any timeline nor indicated whether there will be an open competition for the job.Interim investigator admits there are challenges
This June saw OCI executive director Valerie Phillips named as interim correctional investigator for up to one year. In an email response to , Phillips mentioned there were no delays in addressing complaints while the role remained vacant and she received permission to disclose information when there’s an imminent risk of serious harm to an inmate or corrections staff member.. However , she acknowledged facing challenges working with Correctional Service Canada’s headquarters when seeking final approvals on some reports.
Phillips asserted her authority matches someone appointed longer-term , allowing her to initiate investigations. But she recognized how holding an interim role can “create challenges when planning longer-term strategic initiatives , implementing significant organizational change , or making decisions with effects beyond just this interim period.”
Zinger remarked during those four months without a fill-in , Phillips lacked authority beyond routine processing individual complaints.
He expressed concern over seeing no movement towards competition for long-term employment , noting such processes typically take five or six months.
A critical aspect of ombudsman-like roles like this one includes having freedom speaking truthfully about power dynamics without fear criticizing governmental actions-or lack thereof-he noted.
“If minister proceeds selecting someone directly , potential criticism might arise suggesting chosen individual won’t challenge administration actions,” stated him.SEN KIM PATE is strong advocate RIGHTS CANADIAN PRISONERS(Ashley Burke/)
Sen Kim Pate-a longtime supporter prisoner rights-stated leaving inspector seat empty four-months represents “huge issue” urging governance appoint successor Zinger permanently.
“When only holding responsibilities temporarily lacking insight duration presence meanwhile uncertainty whether next inspector even follows through resolutions stemming inquiries pose real obstacles incentives limit capacity resolve matters requiring thorough investigation,” she explained. < Emile Coyle co-executive director Canadian Association Elizabeth Fry Societies advocating female-related justice issues pointed OCI serves sole entity capable entering prisons unannounced compelling records from Correction Service Canada. Coyle emphasized absence correction administrator consequently cuts off independence scrutiny coinciding overcrowding worsening conditions facilities. “This moment represented most pressing need independent oversight occurring,” she added stressing delay jeopardizes inmates’ rights.Source link
