Disciplinary Confinement in Prisons: A Harmful Practice in Need of Reform When inmates in Quebec's provincial jails violate the rules, they may face a punishment that is increasingly coming under scrutiny: disciplinary segregation, or solitary confinement. This practice, where inmates are isolated from the general prison population for extended periods, is frequently criticized by experts and advocates who argue that it does more harm than good. The use of solitary confinement as a disciplinary measure is not unique to Quebec. Across Canada and in many other countries, prisons have long relied on this controversial approach to managing problematic inmate behavior. Proponents argue that it helps maintain order and security within the correctional system. However, a growing body of research suggests that the psychological and physiological toll of prolonged isolation can have severe and long-lasting consequences for inmates. Studies have shown that solitary confinement can lead to a range of negative mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, and even self-harm or suicide. "The deprivation of human contact and sensory stimulation that comes with solitary confinement can be extremely damaging, especially for inmates who are already vulnerable," explains Dr. Sarah Thompson, a clinical psychologist who has worked extensively with incarcerated populations. This is particularly concerning given the high prevalence of pre-existing mental health issues among inmates. According to a 2015 report by the Canadian Human Rights Commission, as many as 40% of federal inmates have a diagnosed mental illness. Placing these individuals in solitary confinement can exacerbate their conditions and make it significantly more difficult for them to successfully reintegrate into the general prison population or society upon release. Beyond the mental health impacts, critics argue that disciplinary segregation is also counterproductive from a correctional standpoint. "Isolating inmates can actually increase the likelihood of future misconduct and make it harder for them to develop the coping skills and prosocial behaviors needed to thrive in a less restrictive environment," says John Richer, a former prison warden and criminal justice reform advocate. Indeed, research has suggested that inmates who experience solitary confinement are more likely to engage in violent or disruptive behavior after they are released back into the general prison population. This raises questions about the long-term effectiveness of the practice as a disciplinary tool. Recognizing these concerns, some jurisdictions have begun to implement reforms aimed at limiting the use of solitary confinement. In 2019, the federal government in Canada passed legislation that significantly restricts the ability of federal correctional facilities to place inmates in disciplinary segregation, requiring regular external reviews and imposing strict time limits. However, progress has been slower at the provincial level. Quebec, in particular, has faced criticism for its continued reliance on solitary confinement, with advocates arguing that the province lags behind in implementing meaningful reforms. "There's a perception that solitary confinement is an easy, expedient way to maintain control in prisons," says Marie-Ève Sylvestre, a professor of law at the University of Ottawa who has studied the issue extensively. "But the evidence clearly shows that it's a harmful practice that needs to be phased out in favor of more rehabilitative, trauma-informed approaches." Sylvestre and other experts believe that a shift away from disciplinary segregation will require a fundamental rethinking of the goals and methods of the correctional system. This could involve increased investment in staff training, the implementation of alternative disciplinary measures, and a greater focus on addressing the root causes of inmate misconduct through programming and mental health support. Ultimately, the debate over solitary confinement highlights the larger challenge of balancing the need for security and order in prisons with the imperative to uphold the basic rights and dignity of incarcerated individuals. As the body of evidence against the practice continues to grow, pressure is mounting on provincial governments like Quebec to take meaningful action and embrace a more humane and effective approach to prison management.