Inmates in federal prisons in Quebec will no longer have access to post-secondary education, a program that has been in place for over half a century, as Correctional Service Canada (CSC) has decided to cut funding. The announcement was met with deep disappointment at the Cowansville federal prison, located around 100 kilometers east of Montreal. Professor Samuel Rochette, who teaches psychology at Cégep Marie-Victorin and in prisons, described the emotional response among inmates, with some individuals even in tears.
Effective June 30, CSC will halt its financial support for CEGEP education in federal prisons across Quebec. Cégep Marie-Victorin was the final institution in the province to offer a pre-university social sciences program to inmates at the Cowansville and Joliette facilities. While approximately 60 inmates are currently enrolled in CEGEP courses at these locations, thousands have benefited from the educational opportunities provided over the years.
The popularity of the program is evident, with some inmates being transferred specifically to these prisons to participate, and a waiting list in place. Professor Rochette emphasized the positive impact of the education, stating that it helps inmates develop skills for life beyond incarceration and fosters a sense of identity beyond being labeled solely as criminals.
Louis Gendron, the executive director of Cégep Marie-Victorin, expressed bewilderment at the decision, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to serving diverse populations with varying needs. Gendron and a group of professors are mobilizing to appeal the decision by drafting a letter to federal and provincial public safety ministers, urging a reconsideration of the funding cut.
In response to the backlash, CSC cited legal obligations and correctional priorities as the rationale for discontinuing post-secondary education contracts, part of cost-saving measures following budget cuts. However, critics like Frédérick Armstrong, a researcher specializing in education in prison, argue that depriving inmates of educational opportunities jeopardizes their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Armstrong stressed the importance of providing inmates with constructive activities to reduce negative behaviors within correctional facilities.
Laurence Guénette, director of the Ligue des droits et libertés, condemned the decision as a violation of inmates’ rights and a step towards dehumanization. Advocates are urging CSC to reverse the funding cuts, emphasizing the critical role of education in instilling hope and fostering positive self-identity among incarcerated individuals.