Deportations of the Criminalized Mentally Ill 

Evidence shows that people with mental illness are coming in contact with the law at an increasing and disproportionate rate. Though there are mechanisms which have been put in place to reduce the impact of criminalization on persons with mental illness, what has not been adequately addressed is the immigration consequences of this involvement with the criminal justice system. Many of these individuals are finding themselves subject to removal orders on the basis of criminality or serious criminality, despite the fact that their mental illness was a significant factor in their criminal involvement as well as the potential risks to their health if they are deported from Canada.

SSO is currently undertaking a more extensive review of this problem, which will serve to inform our future advocacy in this area.

To learn more about this issue,  click here .

SSO has established a multi-stakeholder committee to help us continue our work in this area. The Committee on Mental Illness, Criminalization and Immigration is made up of lawyers, mental health workers, settlement/immigration workers, advocates and academics interested in this issue. 

To learn more about this project or to join the Committee on Mental Illness, Criminalization and Immigration, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 416-449-6830 x253.