Docket: T-841-17
Citation:
2018 FC 47
Ottawa, Ontario, January 19, 2018
PRESENT: The
Honourable Mr. Justice Martineau
BETWEEN:
|
JEFF EWERT
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Applicant
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and
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ATTORNEY
GENERAL OF CANADA
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(CORRECTIONAL
SERVICE OF CANADA)
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Respondent
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JUDGMENT AND REASONS
[1]
The applicant, Mr. Jeff Ewert, is an inmate
presently incarcerated at La Macaza Institution [LMI] located some 170
kilometers north of Montreal, Quebec. He attacks a final decision made by the senior
deputy commissioner [SDC] of the Correctional Service of Canada [CSC] denying
his grievance related to the inter-regional transfer which took place in
December 2014.
[2]
The application is opposed by the Attorney
General of Canada – the herein respondent – who defends the lawfulness and
reasonableness of the impugned decision.
I
Transfer
[3]
On September 23, 2014, the applicant was
administratively transferred from the LMI to the Pacific Institution to attend
a Federal Court hearing. His transfer back to LMI was approved on December 10,
2014, and took place between December 17 and 19, 2014, as explained below.
[4]
On December 17, 2014, the applicant left
Abbotsford, British Columbia, by plane, along with other inmates at 8:30 (PST).
Since the plane departed early, the applicant was not given his weekly
injection for his Hepatitis Suppression therapy; he however received his oral medication
prior to departure. During the flight, the applicant was secured in shackles
and a body-belt, with his hands secured in handcuffs, which led to low mobility
and difficulties eating and drinking. He was allowed to use the washroom every
two hours, under direct observation of an officer, and in view of female flight
attendants – a fact however disputed by CSC. The plane had planned stops in
Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Trenton, and Montreal. However, the applicant’s
final destination, for that first day, was Trenton, Ontario, where he arrived
at 19:28 (EST), approximately eight hours later. On the other hand, offenders
in the Special Handling Unit [SHU] – who were on the same plane as the
applicant – flew to Montreal that night. The applicant apparently asked to stay
onboard, so he could continue to Montreal, but his claim was denied since he
was not in the SHU. Upon arrival at Trenton, the applicant was driven to the Collins
Bay Institution [CBI] located in Kingston, Ontario, where he was housed in the
Segregation Unit for the night. He was strip-searched upon arrival at the unit.
His request for medication was denied as there was no nurse on duty. He could
not exercise and take a shower. He was stripped-searched again when leaving the
facilities.
[5]
On December 18, 2014, the second day of the
planned trip, the applicant left Kingston by plane. The flight stopped in Quebec,
Moncton, Port-Cartier, with Montreal as the final destination. Detention
conditions on this flight were similar to that described above. Upon his
arrival in Montreal at 19:45 (EST), the applicant was taken to
Ste-Anne-des-Plaines for the night.
[6]
On December 19, 2014, the third day of the planned
travel, the applicant finally arrived at LMI. Only then, did he receive his
Hepatitis injection.
II
Grievance
[7]
On January 1, 2015, the applicant directly filed
a grievance complaint at the third level, pursuant to section 80 of the Corrections
and Conditional Release Regulations, SOR/92-620 [CCRR], generally
challenging various practices of the CSC during that December 2014 transfer.
The corrective action requested was a written apology; to never be treated like
that again; and to avoid suffering negative consequences from filing this grievance.
[8]
In support of these claims, the applicant was
essentially arguing that:
•
The measures taken during his transfer were not
necessary and proportionate to attain the objectives of the Corrections and
Conditional Release Act, SC 1992, c 20 [CCRA];
•
He was denied his statutory right to an hour of
exercise;
•
He was deprived of his liberty contrary to
section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Part I of the Constitution
Act, 1982, being Schedule B to the Canada Act 1982 (UK), 1982, c 11
[Charter];
•
He was subject to two unreasonable strip
searches, contrary to section 8 of the Charter; and
•
He was arbitrarily detained for an unnecessary
twelve hours or more, contrary to section 9 of the Charter.
[9]
On March 31, 2017, the grievance was denied at
the final level with respect to all claims made by the applicant.
III
Decision made by the senior deputy
commissioner
[10]
The SDC concluded that the travel itinerary
complied with CSC policy. The inter-regional transfer list and itinerary are
established up to one year in advance, as per the Guidelines on
Inter-Regional Transfers by Air (see Correctional Service of Canada, “Inter Regional Transfers by Air”, Guidelines No
710-2-2 (Ottawa: CSC, 15 May 2017) [Guidelines]. Note that the file was
actually based on the 2014 version of the Guidelines which were almost
identical). The transfer was authorized by a warrant, and the overnight stay in
CBI was scheduled prior to departure. It was actually required by the CSC
Overnight Process, according to which all offenders transferred to Quebec have
to stop overnight in CBI. The CSC also had to maximize use of the aircraft and
to ensure cost-effectiveness, which explains the itinerary.
[11]
The SDC rejected the applicant’s claim that he
was arbitrarily detained in a body belt and shackles during the flights, since
the equipment used was the mandatory restraint equipment for travel by air, as
per the Guidelines. The SDC also found that the CSC staff complied with applicable
policies during the flights. According to the Guidelines, an officer has to
accompany the inmate to the washroom. Here, the applicant had the opportunity
to use the washroom every two hours, while escorted. As for the issue of female
flight attendants in proximity, the National Transfer Coordinator confirmed
that the bathroom door is always only slightly opened to allow the officer to
remain in constant sight of the inmate, and that the curtain separating between
the washroom and the flight attendant area was closed.
[12]
The SDC concluded that all requirements with
respect to living conditions in the Segregation Unit of CBI were met. Even
though the applicant was not on Segregation Status, the Administrative
Segregation Handbook allows an offender to be housed in the Segregation Unit on
a temporary basis during certain temporary or transitory situations such as
inter-regional transfers (see Correctional Service of Canada, “Administrative Segregation Handbook for Staff”
(Ottawa: CSC, June 2008) [Administrative Segregation Handbook]). The SDC also concluded
that the applicant was not entitled to shower and exercise since he stayed in
CBI for less than 24 hours. Moreover, the SDC noted that section 48 of the CCRA
allowed the conduction of strip searches when inmates enter or leave a segregation
area. The status in the institution does not impact this, according to Annex A
of the Search Plan for Collins Bay Institution (see Certified Tribunal Record
at OLP 52 ff). A routine strip search upon arrival and departure from the CBI segregation
area was therefore reasonable. Finally, the SDC found that the applicant
received appropriate health care, as per paragraph 86(1)(a) of the CCRA. He
could not get his injection prior to departure since nurses were not available.
It was reasonable to give him the injection two days later, since receiving a
late dose would have very little impact on the treatment. He was also given his
oral medication prior to departure, and had it with him during the transfer.
IV
The present application
[13]
The applicant claims that various measures taken
during his transfer and housing in segregation at the CBI, located in Kingston,
Ontario, as well as the choice of itinerary itself, violated the CCRA, and
sections 7, 8 and 9 of the Charter, or are otherwise unreasonable.
V
Standard of review
[14]
The applicant has not raised any procedural
fairness issue which ought to be examined using the correctness standard. Moreover,
there has been no Notice of Constitutional question. No question of law concerning
the interpretation of the CCRA, the CCRR, or the scope of the rights protected
by the Charter has been raised by the applicant.
[15]
On the other hand, findings of fact and mixed
fact and law made by the SDC are reviewable under the standard of
reasonableness (see Gallant v Canada (Attorney General), 2011 FC 537 at
paras 14-15, citing Bonamy v Canada (Attorney General), 2010 FC 153 at
paras 47-51). The CSC is also owed a high degree of deference due to its
expertise in inmate and institution management (see Kim v Canada (Attorney
General), 2012 FC 870 at para 59).
[16]
Accordingly, for the purpose of this judicial
review, the issue is whether the SDC’s decision to dismiss the applicant’s
final grievance is an acceptable outcome in light of the applicable principles
and evidence on record. In this respect, this is not an appeal de novo
and the Court should not substitute its opinion to that of the decision-maker.
VI
Legal framework
[17]
Before delving into an in-depth analysis of the parties’
respective arguments, it is useful to lay out key statutory and regulatory provisions
applicable to this case, as well as general principles where Charter
violations are alleged.
A.
Fair and expedite process
[18]
Section
90 of the CCRA provides for the existence of a grievance procedure for fairly
and expeditiously resolving offenders’ grievances:
There shall be a
procedure for fairly and expeditiously resolving offenders’ grievances
on matters within the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, and the procedure
shall operate in accordance with the regulations made under paragraph 96(u).
|
Est établie,
conformément aux règlements d’application de l’alinéa 96u), une procédure de
règlement juste et expéditif des griefs des délinquants sur des
questions relevant du commissaire.
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[Emphasis added.]
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[Je souligne.]
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[19]
The specific grievance process is laid out in
sections 74 to 82 of the CCRR. Subsection 74(1) of the CCRR specifies that a
grievance arises when an offender is dissatisfied by an action or a decision of
a staff member. The process normally has four stages, the ultimate one being
the “third-level grievance” to the Commissioner,
as per section 80 of the CCRR. Paragraph 2c of the Correctional Service of
Canada, “Offender Complaint and Grievance Process”,
Guidelines GL‑081-1 (Ottawa: CSC, 13 January 2014) nonetheless states
that submissions regarding institutional transfers will automatically be
submitted at the final grievance level.
[20]
Section 12 of the Correctional Service of
Canada, “Offender Complaints and Grievances”,
Commissioner’s Directive No CD-081 (Ottawa: CSC, 13 January 2014)
[Directive CD-081] provides guidance in terms of reasonable delays of
treatment:
Decision makers
will render a decision with regard to complaints and grievances in the
following timeframes:
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Les décideurs
rendront une décision relativement aux plaintes et griefs dans les délais
indiqués ci après.
|
[…]
|
[…]
|
Final Grievance
|
Grief final
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High Priority –
Within 60 working days of receipt by the National Grievance Coordinator
|
Prioritaire –
Dans les 60 jours ouvrables suivant la réception du grief par le
coordonnateur national des griefs
|
Routine Priority –
Within 80 working days of receipt by the National Grievance Coordinator
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Non prioritaire –
Dans les 80 jours ouvrables suivant la réception du grief par le
coordonnateur national des griefs
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B.
Transfers
[21]
Section 29 of the CCRA empowers the Commissioner
with the discretion to order such a transfer:
The
Commissioner may authorize the transfer of a
person who is sentenced, transferred or committed to a penitentiary to (a) another
penitentiary in accordance with the regulations made under paragraph 96(d),
subject to section 28; or
|
Le commissaire
peut autoriser le transfèrement d’une personne condamnée ou transférée au pénitencier, soit
à un autre pénitencier, conformément aux règlements pris en vertu de l’alinéa
96d), mais sous réserve de l’article 28,
|
[…]
|
[…]
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[Emphasis added.]
|
[Je souligne.]
|
[22]
This process is done in compliance with the CCRR.
Among other things, section 16 of the CCRR provides that the transfer is made
in accordance with a warrant:
Every transfer of
an inmate made pursuant to section 29 of the Act shall be effected by a
warrant to transfer signed by the Commissioner or by a staff member designated
in accordance with paragraph 5(1)(b).
|
Tout transfèrement
fait en application de l’article 29 de la Loi s’effectue au moyen d’un
mandat de transfèrement signé par le commissaire ou par l’agent désigné
selon l’alinéa 5(1)b).
|
[Emphasis added.]
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[Je souligne.]
|
[23]
Sections 2, 9, 12, 13, 35, 36 and 42 of the
Guidelines provide explicit guidance to the CSC when conducting those transfers:
2. The Institutional
Reintegration Operations Division will:
|
2. La Division
des opérations de réinsertion sociale en établissement :
|
a. establish a
tentative schedule of inter-regional flights one year in advance
|
a. établira un
calendrier provisoire des vols interrégionaux un an à l'avance
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b. work with the
Regional Transfer Coordinators to plan and support the transfer by air
itinerary for scheduled transfers and/or emergency transfers using chartered
or commercial flights
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b. collaborera
avec les coordonnateurs régionaux des transfèrements pour planifier et
soutenir l'itinéraire des transfèrements prévus et/ou des transfèrements
d'urgence qui se font par vol nolisé ou vol commercial
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c. develop the
national inter-regional transfer list
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c. dressera la
liste nationale des transfèrements interrégionaux
|
[…]
|
[…]
|
9. The Director,
Institutional Reintegration Operations, will: a. approve the itinerary for
each inter-regional transfer and any subsequent deviation
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9. Le directeur,
Opérations de réinsertion sociale en établissement : a. approuvera
l'itinéraire de chaque transfèrement interrégional et toute modification
ultérieure
|
[…]
|
[…]
|
12. The Regional
Transfer Coordinator will provide the National Transfer Coordinator with
their respective inter-regional transfer list and advise of any requirements
for a high-risk escort, special medical escort, dietary requirements or other
special needs, 10 working days prior to the transfer.
|
12. Dix jours
ouvrables avant le transfèrement, chaque coordonnateur régional des
transfèrements remettra au coordonnateur national une liste de ses
transfèrements interrégionaux et indiquera ceux qui présentent un risque
élevé, des besoins médicaux spéciaux, des besoins alimentaires ou d'autres
besoins particuliers nécessitant une escorte spéciale ou des soins
particuliers.
|
13. The National
Transfer Coordinator will: […] d. ensure arrangements are made when it is
determined that a nurse is required onboard.
|
13. Le
coordonnateur national des transfèrements : […] d. s'assurera que les
dispositions nécessaires sont prises lorsqu'il faut un membre du personnel
infirmier à bord de l'avion.
|
[…]
|
[…]
|
35. With the
approval of the onboard Correctional Manager(s) and only under special
circumstances will an inmate have his/her restraint equipment partially
removed or additional restraint equipment added during the flight.
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35. Le matériel
de contrainte posé sur un détenu sera partiellement enlevé ou du matériel de
contrainte supplémentaire sera ajouté pendant le vol avec l'approbation du ou
des gestionnaires correctionnels à bord et uniquement dans des circonstances
particulières.
|
36. When an
inmate must use the washroom, an onboard escorting Correctional
Officer/Primary Worker of the same sex as the inmate will remain in constant
sight of the inmate, as outlined in CD 566-6 - Security Escorts. The respect
and dignity of the inmate will be ensured as much as possible.
|
36. Lorsqu'un
détenu doit se rendre aux toilettes, un agent accompagnateur (agent
correctionnel ou intervenant de première ligne) du même sexe que le détenu
l'accompagnera aux toilettes et le gardera constamment à vue, conformément à
la DC 566-6 - Escortes de sécurité. Le respect et la dignité du détenu seront
assurés dans toute la mesure du possible.
|
[…]
|
[…]
|
42.
Notwithstanding the inmate's security level, the mandatory restraint
equipment will include leg irons and waist chain with handcuffs.
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42. Quelle que
soit la cote de sécurité du détenu, le matériel de contrainte obligatoire
comprendra des entraves et une chaîne à la taille avec menottes.
|
C.
Routine strip search
[24]
Paragraph 48(b) of the CCRA regulates strip
searches of inmates when the inmate is notably entering or leaving a
segregation area:
A staff member of
the same sex as the inmate may conduct a routine strip search of an inmate,
without individualized suspicion […] (b) when the inmate is entering or
leaving a segregation area.
|
L’agent peut,
sans soupçon précis, procéder à la fouille à nu d’un détenu de même sexe que
lui soit dans les cas prévus par règlement où le détenu s’est trouvé dans un
endroit où il aurait pu avoir accès à un objet interdit pouvant être
dissimulé sur lui ou dans une des cavités de son corps, soit lorsqu’il
arrive à une aire d’isolement préventif ou la quitte.
|
[Emphasis added.]
|
[Je souligne.]
|
D.
Respect of the inmate’s dignity, medical needs,
personal health and cleanliness
[25]
Paragraphs 3(a) and 4(c), (d) and (f) and
sections 69, 70, 86 and 87 of the CCRA prescribe the following:
3
The purpose of the federal correctional system is to contribute to the
maintenance of a just, peaceful and safe society by
(a)
carrying out sentences imposed by courts through the safe and humane
custody and supervision of offenders […]
|
3
Le système correctionnel vise à contribuer au maintien d’une société juste,
vivant en paix et en sécurité, d’une part, en assurant l’exécution des peines
par des mesures de garde et de surveillance sécuritaires et humaines,
et d’autre part, en aidant au moyen de programmes appropriés dans les
pénitenciers ou dans la collectivité, à la ré- adaptation des délinquants et
à leur réinsertion sociale à titre de citoyens respectueux des lois.
|
4
The principles that guide the Service in achieving the purpose referred to in
section 3 are as follows […]
|
4
Le Service est guidé, dans l’exécution du mandat visé à l’article 3, par les
principes suivants :
|
(c)
the Service uses measures that are consistent with the protection of society,
staff members and offenders and that are limited to only what is necessary
and proportionate to attain the purposes of this Act;
|
c)
il prend les mesures qui, compte tenu de la protection de la société, des
agents et des délinquants, ne vont pas au-delà de ce qui est nécessaire et
proportionnel aux objectifs de la présente loi;
|
(d)
offenders retain the rights of all members of society except those
that are, as a consequence of the sentence, lawfully and necessarily removed
or restricted;
|
d)
le délinquant continue à jouir des droits reconnus à tout citoyen,
sauf de ceux dont la suppression ou la restriction légitime est une conséquence
nécessaire de la peine qui lui est infligée;
|
[…]
|
[…]
|
(f)
correctional decisions are made in a forthright and fair manner, with access
by the offender to an effective grievance procedure;
|
f)
ses décisions doivent être claires et équitables, les délinquants ayant accès
à des mécanismes efficaces de règlement de griefs;
|
[…]
|
[…]
|
69
No person shall administer, instigate, consent to or acquiesce in any
cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment of an offender.
|
69
Il est interdit de faire subir un traitement inhumain, cruel ou dégradant
à un délinquant, d’y consentir ou d’encourager un tel traitement.
|
70
The Service shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that penitentiaries,
the penitentiary environment, the living and working conditions of inmates
and the working conditions of staff members are safe, healthful and free
of practices that undermine a person’s sense of personal dignity.
|
70
Le Service prend toutes mesures utiles pour que le milieu de vie et de
travail des détenus et les conditions de travail des agents soient sains,
sécuritaires et exempts de pratiques portant atteinte à la dignité
humaine.
|
[…]
|
[…]
|
86(1)
The Service shall provide every inmate with (a) essential health care
[…]
|
86(1) Le Service veille à ce que chaque
détenu reçoive les soins de santé essentiels et qu’il ait accès, dans la
mesure du possible, aux soins qui peuvent faciliter sa réadaptation et sa
réinsertion sociale.
[…]
|
87
The Service shall take into consideration an offender’s state of health
and health care needs (a) in all decisions affecting the offender,
including decisions relating to placement, transfer, administrative
segregation and disciplinary matters; and
|
87
Les décisions concernant un délinquant, notamment en ce qui touche son
placement, son transfèrement, son isolement préventif ou toute
question disciplinaire, ainsi que les mesures préparatoires à sa mise en
liberté et sa surveillance durant celle-ci, doivent tenir compte de son
état de santé et des soins qu’il requiert.
|
[Emphasis
added.]
|
[Je
souligne.]
|
[26]
Subsection 83(2) of the CCRR also lays out
required living conditions:
83(2) The Service
shall take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of every inmate
and that every inmate is
|
83(2) Le Service doit
prendre toutes les mesures utiles pour que la sécurité de chaque détenu
soit garantie et que chaque détenu :
|
[…]
|
[…]
|
(c) provided with
toilet articles and all other articles necessary for personal health and
cleanliness; and
|
c) reçoive des
articles de toilette et tous autres objets nécessaires à la propreté et à
l’hygiène personnelles;
|
(d) given the
opportunity to exercise for at least one hour every day outdoors, weather
permitting, or indoors where the weather does not permit exercising outdoors.
|
d) ait la
possibilité de faire au moins une heure d’exercice par jour, en plein air si
le temps le permet ou, dans le cas contraire, à l’intérieur.
|
[Emphasis added.]
|
[Je souligne.]
|
E.
Charter rights
[27]
The applicant invokes sections 7, 8 and 9 of the
Charter which read as follows:
7. Everyone has
the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be
deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental
justice.
|
7. Chacun a droit
à la vie, à la liberté et à la sécurité de sa personne; il ne peut être porté
atteinte à ce droit qu’en conformité avec les principes de justice
fondamentale.
|
8. Everyone has
the right to be secure against unreasonable search or seizure.
|
8. Chacun a droit
à la protection contre les fouilles, les perquisitions ou les saisies
abusives.
|
9. Everyone has
the right not to be arbitrarily detained or imprisoned.
|
9. Chacun a droit
à la protection contre la détention ou l’emprisonnement arbitraires.
|
[28]
It is well established that the Charter
applies to administrative bodies exercising their delegated powers (see
especially RWDSU v Dolphin Delivery Ltd, [1986] 2 S.C.R. 573 at 598-599, 33
DLR (4th) 174). Indeed, both the CSC in conducting the inmate’s transfer, and
the SDC in evaluating the related grievance had to act in compliance with the Charter,
that is, by balancing out its protected values with the objectives pursued by
the statutory and regulatory regimes they are enforcing (see generally Doré
v Barreau du Québec, 2012 SCC 12 [Doré]). Unlike what the applicant
contends, the role of this Court on judicial review is not to evaluate whether
or not the CSC violated the Charter in conducting the transfer, but
rather whether the SDC gave it sufficient consideration when evaluating the
grievance.
[29]
At this point, the Court notes with respect to
section 7 that being detained, held in a body belt and shackles, and being
housed in segregation likely touches on the inmate’s liberty interest. Security
of the person has to do with one’s physical and psychological integrity, which
was also likely affected (see Blencoe v British Columbia (Human Rights
Commission), 2000 SCC 44 at para 55). In addition, as the Supreme Court
expressed in Canada (Attorney General) v Bedford, 2013 SCC 72 at
paragraph 96, fundamental justice includes the basic values against
arbitrariness, overbreadth, and gross disproportionality. Depending on the
particular circumstances of each case, an itinerary that would disproportionately
or arbitrarily affect the applicant’s liberty and security of the person may
infringe on his section 7 rights.
[30]
The section 7 rights’ claim made by the
applicant is an issue that the administrative decision-maker – here the SDC –
has the power to decide in the context of an inmate’s grievance. This is true
and well with respect to claims made by an inmate that there was an
unreasonable search or seizure contrary to section 8 of the Charter, or
that he has been arbitrarily detained or imprisoned contrary to section 9 of
the Charter.
[31]
Again, as expressed by the Supreme Court in R
v Golden, 2001 SCC 83, [2001] 3 S.C.R. 679 at p 728 [Golden cited to
SCR], “strip searches are thus inherently humiliating
and degrading for detainees regardless of the manner in which they are carried
out and for this reason they cannot be carried out simply as a matter of
routine policy”. Of course, various considerations could justify those
searches, while the penitentiary context necessary entails more surveillance (see
Weatherall v Canada (Attorney General), [1993] 2 S.C.R. 872 at p 877, 105
DLR (4th) 210 [Weatherall cited to SCR]).
VII
Analysis
[32]
The analysis below will assess whether or not
the SDC sufficiently considered the Charter values mentioned above in
the treatment of the grievance. At the hearing before the Court, the applicant –
who represents himself – also raised other issues which were never raised
before the decision-maker or the Court. This is the case of the attack he makes
against the policies themselves. These new arguments are improperly raised and
will not be examined by the Court.
[33]
I will now sequentially examine the parties’
respective arguments on each issue discussed in their pleadings.
A.
The transfer itinerary
[34]
The applicant submits that his rights guaranteed
under section 7 of the Charter were engaged and violated by CSC. It was
arbitrary, unnecessary and overbroad (i.e. unreasonable) to take him off the
plane in Trenton, house him in segregation in CBI and then put him on another
twelve hour flight to Montreal the next day, without any valid justification.
All of this could have easily been avoided by leaving him on the plane, which
was continuing straight to Montreal regardless and would have only taken twenty
minutes. All the other measures he challenges stem from this initial unreasonable
decision. The measures taken were not necessary to properly fulfil his transfer
back to LMI: this objective could have easily been achieved otherwise, in a way
that would minimize liberty and security infringements. The CSC did not do any
of the balancing required between Charter values and the objectives of
the law, as required by Doré. As such, there was a disproportionate
impact on the guaranteed right (see Naraine v Canada (Attorney General),
2015 FC 934 at para 26).
[35]
The respondent replies that the applicant simply
disagrees with the way his transfer was conducted, but does not demonstrate
that it was unreasonable: the fact there was a faster way to reach his
destination is irrelevant. The transfer was made in compliance with a warrant
(see sections 29 of the CCRA and 16 of the CCRR), with which the CSC had the
obligation to comply and had no discretion to modify. The transfer also had to
fit the itineraries that were available and scheduled. Finally, the CSC
overnight process of requiring all inmates coming from Western Canada to spend
a night in CBI was reasonable and based on CSC’s duty to ensure cost
effectiveness of its services. The CSC generally had to consider the need to
effectively manage his inmate population; ensure the protection of society; and
the safety of inmates and staff. All in all, the respondent submits that the
applicant is challenging discretionary policies outside the scope of judicial
review (see Maple Lodge Farms v Government of Canada, [1982] 2 S.C.R. 2,
137 DLR (3d) 558). On the Charter issue, the respondent notes that the
restriction to the applicant’s liberty during the transfer was only trivial and
temporary, and therefore was not sufficient to warrant constitutional
protection, as per Cunningham v Canada, [1993] 2 S.C.R. 143 at p 151.
[36]
As the respondent rightfully points out, the
transfer itinerary results from the exercise of discretionary power and hence deserve
high deference. Yet, discretion cannot be completely immune from review (see
generally Baker v Canada (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration),
[1999] 2 S.C.R. 817, 174 DLR (4th) 193) [Baker cited to SCR]). Thus, the
existence of warrant is in itself insufficient to end the matter. However,
while I agree with the applicant that it may have been more convenient to allow
all inmates scheduled to Ste-Anne-des-Plaines continue to Montréal SHU, the
decision taken by CSC respects the policies in place, has not been taken for an
improper purpose in bad faith, and is not clearly irrational or arbitrary.
[37]
Indeed, when processing the grievance, the SDC
actually consulted the National Transfer Coordinator, which informed him of the
CSC Overnight Process (see CTR at OLP 25). This policy provides that inmates
transferred from the Pacific region to Quebec and the Atlantic have to spend a
night at the CBI, the only exceptions being female offenders and SHU offenders,
categories in which the applicant does not belong. It was therefore not
unreasonable for the SDC to conclude that the CSC was merely complying with its
policies. Moreover, while administrative agencies have an obligation to
consider Charter values in their decision-making process (see generally Doré)
and the applicant had expressly raised this issue in his grievance form, the
impugned decision has to be read and understood in a comprehensive manner in light
of the evidence on record.
[38]
While I may have come to a different result
myself, I am satisfied that the SDC implicitly considered the values flowing
from section 7 of the Charter and gave same proper weight.
B.
Arbitrary detention and the use of restraint
equipment
[39]
The applicant recognizes that the use of restraint
equipment is generally lawful. He nonetheless claims that maintaining him in
tight restraint for twelve hours on the second flight constituted
arbitrary detention in violation of section 9 of the Charter, since
putting him on that flight was completely unnecessary and arbitrary. He also
claims having suffered inhumane and degrading treatment through the use of that
restraint equipment.
[40]
The respondent replies that the use of restraint
equipment does not amount to arbitrary detention since it applies to all
inmates being transferred by plane for security reasons. There was no section 9
infringement as the applicant was lawfully detained by a competent authority
pursuant to a statutory provision (see R v Grant, 2009 SCC 32 at para 54
[Grant]).
[41]
I find that the SDC’s decision in this respect was reasonable. By
definition, detention is not arbitrary if it is authorized by a law that is not
arbitrary (see Grant at para 54). In this case, the alleged detention
was authorized by the transfer warrant, issued under the CCRR. The applicant
never argued that the CCRR itself were arbitrary. As for the use of restraint
equipment in itself, the SDC referred to the Guidelines, which specifically say
at section 42 that “the mandatory
restraint equipment will include leg irons and waist chain with handcuffs”.
C.
Bathroom breaks and the violation of the
applicant’s dignity
[42]
The applicant submits that he received inhumane
and degrading treatment during the bathroom breaks, as breaks only occurred
every two hours and in plain view of all passengers and flight attendants.
[43]
The respondent replies that the SDC’s conclusion
was reasonable: the applicant admitted being granted bathroom breaks every two
hours. Plus, the presence of female attendants is contradicted by the evidence.
[44]
I find that it was reasonable to deny the
applicant’s claim on this point. Indeed, the SDC considered the Guidelines
which clearly stipulate that a CSC officer has to be in constant sight of the
inmate when he is using the washroom (see section 36). As for the fact that the
applicant may have been seen by the other passengers and the flight crew, there
is contradicted evidence. The SDC was entitled to prefer the National Transfer
Coordinator’s version.
D.
Overnight stay in the Segregation Unit at CBI
[45]
With respect to his overnight stay in the
Segregation Unit at CBI, the applicant claims the decision is unreasonable
since there are only two types of segregation under the law: administrative or
for punishment. He did not fit in any of these categories. More broadly, he also
seems to argue that the segregation was an unnecessary and arbitrary
consequence of the problematic itinerary taken.
[46]
The respondent submits that the SDC’s conclusion
was reasonable as the Administrative Segregation Handbook for Staff allows
housing of inmates in the Segregation Unit on a temporary basis.
[47]
I fully agree with the respondent on this point.
E.
Deprival of the right to shower and exercise
[48]
The applicant submits that the deprival of the
right to shower and exercise during his stay in the Segregation Unit at CBI was
a violation of paragraph 83(2)d) of the CCRR, since the CSC had to take
reasonable steps to ensure that the inmate is allowed one hour of exercise.
That, and being denied showers, also constituted a violation of his personal
dignity under section 70 of the CCRA. In this case, there is no justification
whatsoever for the denial.
[49]
The respondent replies that it was reasonable to
conclude that no violation occurred because the applicant was housed at CBI for
less than 24 hours.
[50]
I find the SDC’s decision on this issue is not unreasonable
since the legislator only intended that the CSC took “reasonable
steps”, leaving it “a measure of discretion
within the parameters of safe living conditions” (McMaster v Canada, 2009 FC 937 at para 28).
F.
Unreasonable strip searches
[51]
The applicant first submits that the provisions
on searches when entering a segregation area can only apply to inmates with
Segregation Status. The Administrative Segregation Handbook, on which is based
the housing in Segregation areas of non-Segregation Status inmates, was written
years after the CCRA provisions on searches entered into force. Therefore,
paragraph 48(b) of the CCRA could not have intended to include non-Segregation
Status inmates. In addition, the applicant claims that these searches infringed
on his right to be secure from unreasonable search and seizure, as per section
8 of the Charter. Searches were not reasonably required because he did
not have SHU status, and because he should not have been taken off the plane in
the first place. Searches finally undermined his personal dignity protected by
section 70 of the CCRA.
[52]
The respondent replies that searches were done
in accordance with paragraph 48(b) of the CCRA. They also complied with Charter
requirements as they were appropriate and necessary to ensure the safety of
inmates. They also met the three-step test from Golden: the searches
were authorized by the CCRA (step 1) and they were reasonable to ensure the
security of inmates and to ensure individuals do not conceal drugs or weapons (step
2) (see Weatherall at 877). Finally, the applicant never argued
that searches were conducted unreasonably (step 3).
[53]
The question this Court must answer on judicial
review is not whether the strip searches were reasonable and violated the Charter,
but rather whether the SDC’s examination of the said searches was reasonable. Paragraph
48(b) of the CCRA provides for the discretionary power to search an inmate
entering or exiting a segregation area. I must recognize that, despite the applicant’s
“non-Segregation Status”, the SDC could
reasonably interpret this provision as applying to every inmate, not just those
with Segregation Status, just from its plain wording. It would therefore be
reasonable to conclude that the CSC had the discretion to conduct a
strip search on the applicant. As the Supreme Court expressed in Baker at
page 855, “discretion must be exercised in accordance
with the boundaries imposed in the statute, the principles of the rule of law,
the principles of administrative law, the fundamental values of Canadian
society, and the principles of the Charter”. In the case at bar,
I am satisfied that the three-step test in Golden has been met.
G.
Denial of medication
[54]
The applicant further submits there was no
reasonable explanation for denying him medication. The Guidelines specify that
the necessary arrangements have to be made when a nurse is required on board.
He claims medication could have been given to him during the flight. He also
claims that this denial of medication violated his dignity, and therefore
contravened to section 70 of the CCRA.
[55]
In turn, the respondent submits that the SDC’s
conclusion was reasonable. The applicant cannot dictate how his transfer is
undertaken and when his medication should be given to him: his personal
preference cannot trump the security of others. In this case, evidence on file
revealed that he could not receive his medication prior to departure, and
nothing indicates that there was medical personnel on flight who had access to
his medication, nor is there evidence that the injection could actually have
been made during the flight. The SDC consulted Clinical Services and Public
Health Branch, which determined that there was no significant impact from receiving
a late dosage.
[56]
I find that the SDC’s decision to deny the
applicant’s grievance on the issue of denial of medication was reasonable. The
CCRA does require that the CSC provide its inmates with essential health care
and to take reasonable steps to provide healthful conditions (see paragraph 86(1)a)).
In this case, the SDC consulted Clinical Services and Public Health Branch and
relied on their conclusion that the applicant would not be affected by
receiving a late dosage of his Hepatitis C medication. While I recognize the
anxiety endured by the applicant from this disturbance, I do not believe this
Court is well placed to conduct a better assessment than Clinical Services on
what constituted essential health care. It was reasonable for the SDC to rely
on their assessment.
H.
Unreasonable processing time
[57]
Finally, the applicant submits that the delay to
obtain a response to his grievance was unreasonable and excessive, and thereby
violated paragraph 4(f) and section 90 of the CCRA.
[58]
The respondent submits that delays were not
unreasonable. Delays can be influenced by many circumstances and relevant factors
(see Ewert v Canada (Attorney General), 2009 FC 971 at para 39). Here,
the grievance required consultation of many entities. The applicant’s
allegations were taken seriously, and therefore needed to be fully assessed.
[59]
I agree with the applicant that the delay to
obtain a response to his grievance was unreasonable in the present
circumstances. While the applicant was notified of the additional delays, Directive
CD-081 does give indication on timeframes to respect when rendering grievance
decisions. While I recognize that various actors had to be consulted – which
slowed the process –, in the case of a high priority final grievance, still, the
indicative time limit is sixty days after receipt. The applicant’s grievance
was received on January 12, 2015, and the response is dated March 31, 2017,
that is over two years later. This is clearly beyond sixty days, and despite
undue circumstances, I see no justification for this. However, the time delay did
not have a determinative effect on the result which is overall an acceptable
outcome.
VIII
Conclusion
[60]
All in all, the Court finds that the SDC’s
decision to deny the grievance was not unreasonable. The Court also finds that
the delay for treatment of the grievance was unreasonable, but this did not
have a determinative effect on the result which is overall an acceptable
outcome. Accordingly, the application is dismissed.
[61]
With respect to costs, I have considered all
relevant circumstances, the undue delay in the treatment of the grievance, the
nature of the issues raised by the applicant and the fact that he is an inmate
who is self-represented. Despite the result, in the exercise of my discretion,
I have decided not to allow costs to the respondent.