Immigration Announcement
CBSA Enhances Safety with High-Risk Immigration Detention Facility in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines
Canada has always been known for its welcoming and inclusive approach to immigration. The country’s immigration system focuses on supporting families, protecting vulnerable people, and ensuring national safety. A significant step in this direction is the Canada high-risk immigration detention facility recently opened in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, Quebec. This facility is designed to house individuals who pose a high level of risk while respecting human rights and providing access to essential services.
The new approach reflects Canada’s balanced immigration system, ensuring security for communities while continuing to welcome newcomers who strengthen our economy and culture.
Why Canada Built a High-Risk Immigration Detention Facility
The Canada high-risk immigration detention facility was developed after provinces began phasing out the use of their correctional institutions for high-risk immigration detainees. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) responded quickly, creating a safe, transparent, and separate facility solely under its control.
Key purposes include:
- Housing adult male detainees with violent criminal histories or unpredictable behaviour.
- Ensuring public safety while offering detainees access to legal support, medical care, and recreation areas.
- Maintaining oversight through trusted third parties like the Canadian Red Cross and the UNHCR.
This approach demonstrates how Canada balances strong border control with human rights standards and fairness.
How the Facility Supports Human Rights
Although this is a secure site, the emphasis remains on dignity and fairness. Detainees are provided:
- Legal representation rooms for fair proceedings.
- Medical services to ensure proper health care.
- Recreational spaces to maintain well-being.
- Transparency is ensured through independent monitoring, making Canada a leader in humane immigration practices.
Canada’s Broader Immigration Approach
This facility is part of a bigger national strategy to modernize immigration holding spaces. Canada has already made substantial investments in alternatives to detention, including remote check-ins and electronic monitoring. Today, over 98% of people in the immigration system are monitored through community-based programs rather than detention.
Comparison of Detention vs Alternatives
| Feature | High-Risk Facility | Alternatives to Detention |
| Supervision | Strict, secure environment | Community-based check-ins |
| Eligibility | High-risk individuals only | Most immigration cases |
| Oversight | Independent monitoring (Red Cross, UNHCR) | Case management officers |
| Human Rights Focus | Dedicated medical, legal, and recreation facilities | Full freedom within the community |
A Balanced Future for Immigration Safety
The opening of the Canada high-risk immigration detention facility shows how Canada takes a modern, fair, and human-focused approach to immigration. By combining secure facilities with community-based alternatives, Canada is building a safe and inclusive future for everyone. This balanced system reassures the public, protects human rights, and continues Canada’s proud tradition of being a welcoming nation.
