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.

Cell Count Issue 3

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

Cell Count Issue 107 – 2025 Federal Election Special 🗳️

With the 2025 Canadian Federal Election approaching, this special issue breaks down where the major parties stand on prisons, legal issues, harm reduction, and housing—issues that directly impact incarcerated and marginalized communities. Featuring powerful artwork and a must-read piece by journalist Michelle Shephard on former Cell Count contributor Zakaria Amara’s journey of transformation.

Cell Count 107 pdf

Older Back Issues

Issues 1 - 78