Canada begins handing out paper straws and thicker foil to federal inmates as harm‑reduction measure

Correctional Service Canada began distributing single‑use paper straws and commercial‑grade aluminum foil to inmates in its 43 federal prisons as a harm‑reduction step, the memo released in March 2026 said.

The four‑page memorandum explains the items are intended for inhaling substances in powdered form or vapor from heated drugs, noting that "using paper straws helps reduce harm by lowering the risk of cuts or tears inside the nose when compared to homemade or plastic straw." It adds that the thicker foil is designed for "safer smoking" of substances typically heated on foil.

Prison nurses are tasked with handing out the supplies and training inmates on proper use, and the distribution is scheduled to begin within two weeks. The policy responds to a recent internal survey indicating that nearly 20% of male federal inmates reported snorting drugs, 24% said they smoked, and 4% admitted to injecting.

Canada already operates needle‑exchange programs in 13 federal facilities, some offering supervised injection sites since 2018. Officials argue the new paraphernalia aligns with the same public‑health logic, stating, "as methods of use evolve, harm reduction measures must also adapt."

Critics quickly denounced the plan. Ontario Premier Doug Ford wrote on X, "Under our government’s watch, we will never let this happen in Ontario jails." Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre posted, "This is exactly why criminals don’t get rehabilitated in prison," calling the approach a catalyst for greater violence.

Several correctional officers described the decision as "delusional" and "absolute insanity," with one commenting, "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."

While the distribution of straws and foil proceeds, the government says it will monitor health outcomes and disciplinary impacts, and Ontario officials have pledged to block the practice in provincial facilities.