The Power and Control of an Abusive System: A Personal Reflection on Correctional Service Canada
Power and control are two driving forces behind abusive behavior. Whether it manifests in personal relationships or within large institutions, the desire to dominate often leads to unjust actions that harm those under its influence. The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), as an institution that holds immense authority over the lives of incarcerated individuals, exemplifies this correlation between abuse of power and systemic control. My personal experiences with CSC reveal how it has manipulated circumstances and exercised its power in ways that parallel the behavior of an abusive individual.
In 2006, while serving a life sentence in Millhaven Prison, I was falsely accused of starting a riot. At the time, I was working as a range cleaner—a relatively small but meaningful job that gave me some sense of purpose. The accusation came without any solid evidence. During questioning, CSC claimed they had footage of me instigating the riot, which I knew was entirely fabricated. This charade continued for months, with my job stripped away, and the weight of their control pressed down on me daily. But I refused to submit. I filed a grievance, and eventually, I won. CSC had to backtrack, awarding me $500 in back pay, but the ordeal highlighted their tendency to fabricate evidence to maintain control over the inmates. Their abuse of power was clear: control by any means, even when it meant lying to justify their actions.
This dynamic of control became even more pronounced in 2020, also at Millhaven when Dakota and Imo, two men who were caught up in a tragic event during a peaceful protest over COVID restrictions. In response to the protest, CSC’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) resorted to unprovoked violence—firing tear gas and rubber bullets at inmates who had not posed any real threat. Dakota, seeking shelter, ran into Imo’s cell, only to find himself locked inside. Dakota died shortly after, lying in a pool of his own blood. That horrific day revealed CSC’s willingness to use extreme force and ignore basic safety protocols to maintain dominance. Even though Dakota’s death could have been prevented, the power CSC wielded was used recklessly, indifferent to human life. Imo Lewis was charged with 1st degree murder but was later found not guilty of all charges.
Fast forward to 2024, and the pattern of control remains unchanged. This time, the target was Lamar Skeete, an inmate serving a life sentence at Collins Bay Prison. Lamar had been invited to speak to a university law class via Zoom—a rare opportunity for him to share his perspective and for his supporters to gather in solidarity. However, once CSC got wind that Lamar’s supporters planned to attend the event in person at the university, they moved swiftly to suppress that support. They coerced the professor organizing the event, threatening to cancel Lamar’s appearance if his supporters were allowed to attend. This was yet another display of CSC’s control tactics, now extended to silencing not just Lamar but anyone who stood by him.
Most egregious was CSC’s refusal to allow Lamar access to a video recording of his own presentation. Legally, they had no grounds to prevent this, yet their insistence on blocking Lamar from receiving the video was another reminder of their overreach and abuse of power. This wasn’t about security or safety; it was about control—an unjustifiable and coercive action meant to strip Lamar and his supporters of their agency.
Reflecting on these events and more, I see how CSC’s behavior mirrors that of an abusive individual: they isolate, manipulate, and punish those who challenge their authority. Inmates, already vulnerable, are often at the mercy of a system designed to control every aspect of their existence. Whether through false accusations, excessive force, or coercive tactics, CSC consistently abuses its power, much like an abusive partner who uses intimidation and manipulation to maintain control.
The abuse of power within institutions like CSC should not be ignored. My personal experiences reveal a system that prioritizes control over justice, fear over fairness. It’s time for society to hold CSC accountable for its actions, ensuring that those behind bars are treated with the dignity and respect that every human being deserves, regardless of their past. Only then can we begin to dismantle the cycle of abuse that pervades not just personal relationships but our very institutions of power.
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