How weekend-only jail sentences can cause security risks, overcrowding
Every Friday, large numbers of people across Canada are obligated to report to the same place for the weekend: jail.
But the number of these weekend jail terms is increasing in some provinces — and critics are warning about overcrowding, and security stretched to the limits.
Quebec’s ombudsman and Nova Scotia’s auditor general both drew attention to the issue in recent reports, which advocates say are a by-product of Harper government sentencing reforms.
Canadian judges can impose intermittent terms when sentences are 90 days or less, involving people assessed as a low risk to society.