Key Takeaways
- Ten inmates at the Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener have filed lawsuits against Correctional Service Canada (CSC) due to a break-in that resulted in two people being allegedly assaulted.
- The incident has had a profound impact on the women affected, many of whom have experienced trauma and abuse in the past.
- The CSC’s response to the incident has been criticized as "very slow" by the inmates’ lawyer, Jeffrey Hartman.
- The CSC has stated that ensuring the safety and security of staff, inmates, and the public remains their highest priority, but has declined to comment on the allegations due to ongoing legal proceedings.
Introduction to the Incident
The Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener was the site of a break-in on November 2, which resulted in two people being allegedly assaulted. A 28-year-old man from Kitchener was charged with break-and-enter, two counts of assault, and mischief under $5,000. The incident has led to ten inmates filing lawsuits against Correctional Service Canada (CSC), with their lawyer, Jeffrey Hartman, stating that many of his clients have been severely affected by the incident. Hartman noted that the inmates are experiencing high levels of anxiety and feel that they have been set back by the incident.
CSC’s Response to the Incident
Hartman criticized the CSC’s response to the incident, stating that it was "very slow." He pointed out that the facility has a six-foot-tall fence with razor wire and video cameras to prevent intrusions, but the man was still able to climb the fence and gain access to the yard. Hartman argued that the CSC ought to have known that the man was scaling the fence and should have taken steps to prevent the intrusion. The CSC has stated that ensuring the safety and security of staff, inmates, and the public remains their highest priority, but has declined to comment on the allegations due to ongoing legal proceedings.
Impact of the Incident on the Inmates
The break-in and assault have had a profound impact on the women affected, according to Hartman. Many of the inmates have experienced trauma and abuse in the past, and the incident has triggered feelings of anxiety and fear. Some of the women had even felt relieved about going to prison because it meant they would have freedom from addiction, abuse, and sexual violence. However, the incident has undone this sense of relief, and many of the inmates are now struggling to cope with their emotions. Hartman noted that some of the women are afraid to venture far from their bedrooms and are experiencing high levels of anxiety.
CSC’s Statement and Next Steps
The CSC has released a statement stating that they are actively reviewing the incident to gather all necessary information and to better position the sites in case of unexpected incidents like this in the future. However, the findings of this review cannot be shared externally due to the safety, security, and integrity of their operations. Hartman has anticipated that the CSC’s statement of defence will downplay the severity of the incident, and he is prepared to argue that the CSC was negligent in their response to the incident. The next step in the legal proceedings will be to wait for the CSC’s statement of defence, which will likely be followed by a lengthy legal battle.
Conclusion and Future Implications
The incident at the Grand Valley Institution for Women has highlighted the need for improved security measures at correctional facilities. The CSC’s response to the incident has been criticized, and the inmates’ lawsuits will likely lead to a thorough examination of the CSC’s policies and procedures. The incident has also had a profound impact on the women affected, many of whom are struggling to cope with their emotions. As the legal proceedings unfold, it is likely that there will be a greater focus on the need for improved security measures and support for inmates who have experienced trauma and abuse. The outcome of the lawsuits will have significant implications for the CSC and the correctional system as a whole, and it will be important to monitor the developments in this case closely.
