He emphasized that isolation should "absolutely not" be used as a quick fix for an inmate with mental health issues. "If someone has a mental health issue, it's the government's obligation to treat them. We know that solitary confinement can be catastrophic for people with mental health issues. Justin Piché, an associate professor criminology, said putting inmates with mental health issues in solitary confinement is "absolutely the worst possible thing" for their well-being. More support services in communities could help prevent people with mental health issues from ending up in jail in the first place, he said.

Source: CBC News September 27, 2016 21:35 UTC