Duty of Confidentiality

Confidentiality is critical in the context of the Immigration Detention Monitoring Program.

People detained for immigration reasons  are often in vulnerable situations. They are deprived of their liberty and their movements are closely controlled. Those who have experienced traumatic events in their country of origin may be more vulnerable. Immigration detainees may also face difficult challenges as newcomers to Canada, including lack of social support and language barriers.

The Canadian Red Cross follows a strict policy of confidentiality when visiting people detained under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. . As such, Red Cross staff and volunteers will not disclose to authorities or a third party what is discussed with someone else in immigration detention without their explicit consent.  

Exceptions do exist, specifically when there are reasonable suspicions of child abuse or credible information that a detainee is considering hurting themselves or someone else in the facility, both of which would override any duty of confidentiality.