Manitoba Expands Controversial Tablet Program for Inmates

UPDATE: Manitoba has just confirmed the expansion of its controversial tablet program for inmates, raising urgent questions about its implications for families and the justice system. This initiative, spearheaded by Synergy Inmate Phone Solutions, Inc., aims to provide electronic tablets to inmates across several correctional facilities, but critics are questioning its fairness and financial impact on vulnerable communities.

The program was originally discussed at a spring meeting of Manitoba’s jail superintendents in April 2019, where Synergy offered to supply tablets at no cost to the province. The tablets will grant inmates access to games, movies, and a monitored messaging platform, replacing traditional mail. However, the costs for using these services are steep, with rates reaching 10 cents per minute for messaging, and up to $13.50 for a two-hour movie.

As this rollout progresses, it is crucial to note that Manitoba is already generating between $6,000 and $8,000 monthly in commissions from Synergy’s existing contract for phone services, which has been in place since 2016. The lack of competitive bidding raises concerns, as Synergy was the only company to respond to the province’s 2021 Request for Proposals for tablet services.

In a landscape where Indigenous people constitute nearly 80% of admissions to Manitoba’s jails, the financial burden of maintaining communication falls disproportionately on Indigenous families, particularly women. Critics are expressing alarm that this system may further entrench poverty and inequality.

Keldon Bester, executive director of the Canadian Anti-Monopoly Project, warns that the province risks becoming dependent on Synergy’s services. “It’s good until it isn’t, right? Who’s in control?” he said, highlighting the potential consequences of limited options should issues arise in the future.

The details of the contract remain murky, with Manitoba officials largely unresponsive to media inquiries. Synergy, a small San Antonio-based company that has rapidly expanded its presence in Canada, has faced scrutiny for high fees associated with its services. For example, a single prepaid call costs $3, and collect calls can reach $4.30.

Advocates are voicing their concerns over the predatory nature of these fees. Tammy Wolfe, a member of Norway House Cree Nation, described the financial strain on families trying to stay connected with loved ones in prison, noting, “It feels predatory.” Wolfe, who lost her brother after years of incarceration, emphasized that the costs create additional barriers for families already struggling with poverty.

As this situation unfolds, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has begun to scrutinize the rates charged by Synergy and other providers. The commission’s recent inquiries aim to assess whether regulatory interventions are needed to protect inmates and their families from exorbitant charges.

The emotional impact of these developments cannot be understated. Research shows that maintaining contact with loved ones while incarcerated significantly reduces recidivism rates. Yet, the current fee structure challenges that connection, particularly for families from marginalized communities.

With the program’s expansion underway, attention is turning to the next steps. Advocates are calling for greater transparency from Manitoba Justice, demanding clearer information on contract details and assurances regarding the privacy of communications.

As families brace for the financial implications of the new tablet services, the debate over the ethical responsibilities of correctional facilities and their service providers intensifies. For many, this isn’t just about technology—it’s about the fundamental right to maintain family ties and support during challenging times.

In a climate where prison telecom companies are under increasing scrutiny globally, the outcomes of Manitoba’s program could set crucial precedents. As the situation develops, stakeholders will be watching closely, and the push for reforms may gain momentum.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow this breaking story and its implications for inmates and their families in Manitoba.