Cell Count
What is Cell Count?
Cell Count is a quarterly bulletin by and for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people. Each issue is filled with articles, stories, art, poetry with relevant health information, news and resources; space for prisoners and ex-prisoners to express ideas and share experiences. Cell Count is distributed to prisoners, agencies and individuals across Canada.
“Cell Count brings transparency to a world that isn’t very transparent, and it helps with holding accountability because it’s a public and published newspaper because people can read it and it gets things out there.”
— Steve S.“Sometimes it’s a friend, cure for loneliness and a ray of sunshine in a dark cell. It’s a forum to express ourselves and our struggles, where we’re not feeling like outsiders, and we can read about others who are going through similar situations. When people need something to get through the day, there’s Cell Count.”
— Karissa R.
The cover of Issue #3 of Cell Count
Subscribe or Submit
Subscribe
If you would like a subscription to Cell Count please complete the form below to receive a printed copy. Cell Count is free for people living with HIV, prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families in Canada. For everyone else, subscriptions can be purchased at $20 a year (four issues).
Submit
If you are interested in learning more about the newsletter or would like to submit your art, poetry, articles, etc. please write to the editor at [email protected] or send us mail at 526 Richmond St E, Toronto, ON M5A 1R3.
Current Issue
Issue 106: Togetherness
Cell Count #106 – Theme: Togetherness The newest issue of Cell Count (#106) explores the theme of togetherness, highlighting both the strength found in solidarity and the systemic barriers that demand collective action. This edition features a powerful reflection on the support and dignity found at Sanctuary in Toronto, contrasting it with the isolating and punitive structures of incarceration. It also includes sharp critiques of the Parole Board of Canada’s unfair decision-making processes and the culture of impunity within Correctional Service of Canada, where staff evade accountability for misconduct that would not be tolerated in other workplaces. A call to action rounds out the issue, urging prisoners to unite in demanding meaningful changes within CSC. Through these contributions, Cell Count #106 reinforces the necessity of community, advocacy, and resistance in the face of injustice.
