The number of Indigenous people locked up in federal prisons is now beyond the 30 per cent mark.
That is according to new data released by Canada’s Correctional Investigator.
Federal Public Safety Minister Bill Blair says that number is concerning.
“There are things that we can and must do within the corrections system to help address that population, provide better services to reduce recidivism, to explore alternative justice measures and other diversion programs,” he said.
Blair added there are several factors leading to an increase in Indigenous people behind bars.
“It includes very significant problems and issues around substance use and misuse in some of our communities — methamphetamine, alcohol, opioids, etc. — but it’s also issues of generational trauma that need to be addressed,” he said.
Blair said the numbers are also indicative that more work needs to be done in communities, courts and by police to address those challenging social issues.
With files from Randy Thoms.
