The Quebec government is rolling out fresh initiatives to block contraband from infiltrating its correctional facilities. One such measure is a 12-month trial at the Roberval Detention Centre, situated 350 kilometers northeast of Montreal, where inmates will be mandated to don uniforms starting in September.
This move aims to streamline searches, distinguish inmates from staff and visitors, and eradicate indications of ties to criminal groups that could incite violence, as per a statement by the Public Security Ministry. Presently, detainees in Quebec’s correctional centers wear their personal clothes, but this has led to issues like the smuggling of illicit substances like drugs concealed in clothing seams or shoes.
Isabelle Mailloux, the director of the Montreal Correctional Network, highlighted the challenges posed by inmates using their attire for illicit activities. The upcoming uniform will comprise basic and comfy clothing such as cotton-polyester T-shirts, long-sleeved sweatshirts, sweatpants, shorts, shoes, socks, and undergarments. The selection of the Roberval facility for the pilot was influenced by its sewing workshop where inmates can craft their pants.
Minister Ian Lafrenière underlined that this initiative aligns with the goal of fostering social reintegration through employment. The government has allocated $35 million in 2023 to enhance security in detention facilities. The success of the pilot project will determine the expansion of the uniform mandate across all Quebec detention centers.
Additionally, the government is enhancing disciplinary actions by expanding the scope of misconduct reports that staff can file. Amendments to the Quebec Correctional System Application Regulation effective from September 28 will cover situations like the introduction of prohibited items through drones. Drones have been a persistent challenge, with 1,521 sightings at Quebec’s detention centers between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.
The revised regulations will empower disciplinary committees to impose harsher penalties for grave offenses like cellphone smuggling or infrastructure damage. Sanctions may include community service, canteen purchase suspensions, or extended isolation periods, with a focus on the inmates’ well-being. These changes aim to address evolving tactics employed by inmates amid technological advancements.
The government is prioritizing inmate welfare and security as it reevaluates and reinforces policies within the correctional system.
