Migrant detainees won’t be jailed

OTTAWA — The federal government plans to rely on electronic monitoring, telephone reporting and community supervision to avoid locking up migrants while they await hearings.

Ottawa has spelled out how it will try to find alternatives to jailing newcomers to Canada, including use of voice recognition and monitoring technology to track people released in the community. The $138-million overhaul is intended to ensure detention is a last resort.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) detains thousands of new arrivals who are considered a flight risk or a danger to the public and those whose identities cannot be confirmed.

The Red Cross Society has found numerous shortcomings at facilities for immigrant detainees, including overcrowding and lack of mental health care.

Prior to Tuesday’s announcement, the only way a migrant could be released from detention was if they posted a financial guarantee and agreed to conditions. Now, there will be three alternatives.

A new community case management system will see the CBSA working with organizations such as the Salvation Army, the John Howard Society of Canada and the Toronto Bail Program to help supervise up to 800 people after they are released.

A new voice reporting system will use biometric voice recognition technology that could lead to 10,000 people reporting their whereabouts using global positioning features through cellphones or land lines.