A Call for Prison Reform and Human Rights in Canada
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Prisoners’ Justice Day — a solemn day of remembrance, solidarity, and urgent calls for change in our criminal justice system. Every August 10th, people across Canada and around the world pause to honour the lives of prisoners who have died behind bars and to demand action against the inhumane jail conditions that still exist today.
For me, Prisoners’ Justice Day is more than a historical milestone; it is personal. I, Emily O’Brien, founder and CEO of Comeback Snacks, spent time in provincial custody at Vanier Centre for Women and Barton Street Jail. My time there continues to fuel my advocacy for prison reform, mental health access, and the protection of human rights for all people, including those in prison.
What is Prisoners’ Justice Day and Why It Matters in Canada’s Criminal Justice System
Prisoners’ Justice Day began in 1975 when incarcerated people in Canada held a day of mourning for Eddie Nalon, who died in solitary confinement at Millhaven Institution. What started as a local act of remembrance has grown into an international day of action, drawing attention to unsafe prison conditions, denial of adequate health care, and systemic injustices that impact prisoners every day.
The message remains urgent: justice is not just about punishment; it’s about dignity, rehabilitation, and fairness.
My First-Hand Experience in Provincial Custody: Inhumane Jail Conditions and Overcrowding
My time in provincial custody revealed just how dehumanising the system can be. We barely got to shower. The lights were never turned off, making it nearly impossible to rest. There was no access to books — nothing to keep our minds active or give us hope.
Cells designed for two people often held three. Mental health resources were scarce, despite so many of us struggling with trauma, addiction, or untreated illnesses. These conditions are unacceptable for any human being, and they do nothing to support rehabilitation or public safety in the long term.
The Urgent Need for Mental Health Support and Human Rights in Canadian Prisons
Whether in federal custody or provincial custody, the lack of proper mental health care remains one of the most serious issues in Canadian prisons. Untreated mental illness can lead to crises, self-harm, and worsening health outcomes — problems that can follow people long after their release.
A truly fair and effective criminal justice system must treat human rights as non-negotiable. That means access to mental health services, safe living conditions, and opportunities for education and skill-building.
Provincial vs. Federal Custody: Systemic Issues that Affect All Prisoners
While there are differences between provincial custody (for sentences under two years) and federal custody (for sentences over two years), the systemic problems are consistent: overcrowding, underfunding, and policies that prioritise punishment over rehabilitation.
The reality is that people often leave prison worse off than when they entered. Without meaningful change, this cycle will continue — and it will continue to harm individuals, families, and communities.
How YWCA Hamilton is Supporting Justice-Involved Women and Gender-Diverse People
One organisation leading the charge for reform is YWCA Hamilton. They provide housing, counselling, and employment resources for justice-involved women and gender-diverse people, helping them rebuild their lives after incarceration.
YWCA Hamilton also works to address the root causes of incarceration — from poverty to lack of access to mental health services — and advocates for systemic changes to make our prisons safer and more humane. Their work proves that prison reform is not only necessary, it’s possible.
How You Can Take Action to Support Prison Reform and Justice
If you want to honour Prisoners’ Justice Day and help build a more humane criminal justice system, here’s how you can start:
Educate Yourself on Prisoners’ Justice Day
Learn its history and the reasons it remains so relevant today.
Support Organisations That Champion Human Rights in Prison
Donate, volunteer, or spread awareness about groups like YWCA Hamilton.
Speak Out Against Inhumane Jail Conditions
Write to your elected officials, sign petitions, and raise awareness in your community.
Challenge Stereotypes About Prisoners
Recognise that many are there due to systemic inequities, not because they are beyond redemption.
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I founded Comeback Snacks to prove that people can change, heal, and contribute meaningfully to society after prison. But for that change to happen, we must first ensure that prisons — whether federal or provincial — are safe, humane, and rehabilitative.
This August 10th, as we mark 50 years of Prisoners’ Justice Day, I will remember my own experiences, the friends I met behind bars, and the countless people whose names we will never know. Their lives matter.
Let’s stand in solidarity, demand reform, and remember that justice must always be rooted in humanity.
Emily O'Brien