Ontario's Solicitor General visits EMDC staff following protests
Ontario Solicitor General Sylvia Jones was in London, Ont. on Thursday to meet with staff at the Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre (EMDC).
Jones had promised to visit after the union representing guards there raised concerns about alleged harassment and intimidation of workers at the jail.
The issues reportedly began in the days after a rally outside the jail on July 17. OPSEU said protestors were stopping cars, photographing staff and licence plates, and threatening staff on social media.
The rally was held following a memorial for 32-year-old Brandon Marchant. He died in hospital on July 6 after being found unresponsive in his cell three days earlier.
His was the latest death connected to the institution. Since 2009 there have been 19 deaths associated with EMDC.
In an emailed statement, Jones said heard from staff about the situation they have been facing.
"The daily protests over the past number of weeks have been challenging for staff at the facility, and I want to thank them for their professionalism and ongoing commitment to community safety."
She added that the facility has remained secure, and ministry officials are working with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of staff and inmates, while "respecting the right of Ontarians to peacefully protest."
In addition, Jones responded to those who've experienced loss, saying, "I would also like to express my sympathy to the families who are grieving the loss of loved ones or are waiting for the details offered through death investigations."
The meeting was not open to the public or media.
In response to the visit, OPSEU President Warren 'Smokey' Thomas issued a statement Thursday evening saying he was glad she decided to visit, but disappointed she did not accept an offer from the union to tour the facility.
"In my point of view, that was a missed opportunity to meet with front-line corrections workers and to better understand their experiences during the last few months."
According to OPSEU, Jones met with EMDC management and two union members, so they are encouraging her to return to meet with union officials and hear from front-line staff.
"Our front-line members understand the challenges of the situation and are willing to work together to find solutions and ensure a positive outcome. We respect the families of those who have passed away at EMDC and their right to grieve. We welcome discussions on how to support grieving families while protecting the mental health and safety of our members."
OPSEU continues to raise concerns about underfunding of corrections facilities and the need for improvements to infrastructure and inmate living conditions.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canada's most wanted fugitive arrested in P.E.I. in connection with Toronto homicide
A suspect in a fatal shooting in Toronto’s east end last summer has been arrested in Charlottetown, just one week after he topped a list of Canada’s most wanted fugitives.
BREAKING Federal employees will be required to spend 3 days a week in the office
Starting in September, public servants in the core public administration will be required to work in the office a minimum of three days a week. The Treasury Board Secretariat says executives will need to be in the office four days per week.
Concerns about plexiglass prompt inspections at some Loblaws locations in Ottawa
Inspections are underway at more than one Loblaws location in Ottawa after complaints were filed about tall plexiglass barriers.
Plane overshoots runway at airport in St. John's, N.L., no injuries reported
Investigators from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada are headed to St. John's, N.L., after a plane overshot a runway at the city's airport this afternoon.
Poilievre unrepentant over calling Trudeau 'wacko' as his MPs say Speaker should resign
An unrepentant Pierre Poilievre returned to the House of Commons on Wednesday to pepper the prime minister about his drug decriminalization policies after being booted the day prior for refusing to take back calling Justin Trudeau 'wacko' over his approach to the issue.
Five human skeletons, missing hands and feet, found outside house of Nazi leader Hermann Göring
Archeologists have unearthed the skeletons of five people, missing their hands and feet, at a former Nazi military base in Poland.
Toddler of Phoenix first responder dies after bounce house goes airborne
A two-year-old child died after a strong gust of wind sent the bounce house he was in airborne and into a neighbouring lot in central Arizona, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office said.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh confirms his party will support the Liberals' federal budget
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says his party will support the federal budget, ending any speculation that the party could pull out of its deal with the minority Liberal government.
Dental care program accepting claims for 1 million seniors
Citizens' Services Minister Terry Beech says 1,200 seniors have already visited a dentist and had their claims processed by the federal government's new dental care plan.