Correctional Service Canada (CSC) is preparing to distribute paper straws and heavy-duty aluminum foil to inmates in its 43 federal prisons as part of a harm reduction measure, even though illegal drug use remains prohibited behind bars.
According to a four-page internal memo circulated to correctional officers and reported by the New York Post, the single-use paper straws are meant for inhaling drugs in powdered form, while the foil — described as stronger and thicker than household brands — is intended for smoking substances that are heated from beneath, a method sometimes called “chasing the dragon.”
“Using paper straws helps reduce harm by lowering the risk of cuts or tears inside the nose when compared to homemade or plastic straw,” the memo states.
The memo says the measure responds to “increased inhalation, smoking, and snorting substances among federal inmates,” adding that “as methods of use evolve, harm reduction measures must also adapt.” The items are expected to become available within two weeks, and prison nurses are reportedly being enlisted to distribute them and instruct inmates on their use.
Despite the new supplies, the memo reiterates that illegal drug use remains against the rules and can lead to disciplinary action.
Ontario pushes back
The policy has drawn sharp criticism from Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who said the practice will not be permitted in jails under provincial authority.
“Under our government’s watch, we will never let this happen in Ontario jails,” Ford wrote on X.
Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also criticized the policy on X, arguing it undermines efforts to rehabilitate offenders.
“This is exactly why criminal don’t get rehabilitated in prison. The Liberal government helps them do dangerous, addictive drugs in prison that make them even more violent when they come out. My solution: zero tolerance for drugs in prison. Drug criminals must undergo regular drug tests to earn release, and isolation for prison drug kingpins. Drug-free prisoners will focus on skill-building & rehabilitation so they can be good citizens on release.”
Correctional officers and staff have also voiced frustration with the policy, calling it “delusional” and “absolute insanity” in social media comments reported by the Post. One wrote, “Who is in leadership? We can’t be the only ones questioning this. Why would they think this is okay? I want to believe this is a joke.”
The straw and foil program is not the first harm reduction measure in Canada’s federal prison system. Since 2018, 13 federal institutions have operated needle exchange programs, and some facilities offer supervised injection sites where inmates can use smuggled drugs under the supervision of a medical professional.
