Solicitor General pledges to visit EMDC as union looks for help from province amid escalating tensions
The union representing correctional officers at the Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre (EMDC) says more needs to be done to protect its members from threats outside the jail’s walls.
A rally outside the facility Saturday prompted the call for help to the province’s Solicitor General, Sylvia Jones, who has since pledged to meet with union leadership and visit the jail.
“The burnouts that were happening, and the bikes, in one case there was a motorcycle that was right up against the front door. And I mean, like I can only say this is very alarming,” said OPSEU Executive Chad Oldfield in livestreamed news conference Friday.
The union is asking that Jones do something after what they describe as “outlaw motorcycle clubs” threatening and intimidating jail staff.
“There’s a line that can’t be crossed,” said Oldfield. “Damaging our cars, spitting at us, threats and insults. You know I mean the threats over social media, it’s very alarming.”
The events stem from the death of inmate Brandon Marchant, who was found unresponsive in his cell July 3. The 32-year-old later died in hospital. The province’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating.
OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas said it would be irresponsible for him to comment on the circumstances of the death, but said the facts need to come out.
“We need a thorough investigation to get all the facts and perhaps find a way forward to work with families, which local has done in the past, and hopefully the family can heal, and hopefully they can find what they deem to be justice.”
In a letter to OPSEU Friday, Jones said her government is taking the situation “extremely seriously.” It has hired extra police to be on site, and brought in a trauma counsellor for staff.
The letter went on to say, “Deputy Solicitor General of Correctional Services, Karen Ellis, will attend EMDC to talk with staff and ensure that we are implementing all the necessary measures and supports to ensure their safety. I am also in the process of making plans to meet with staff at EMDC.”
Thomas said he’s encouraged. “She has committed to go down to the jail, so to me that’s a very positive sign.”
In the meantime, London police confirm a number of complaints are being investigated.
“Currently we have a number of investigations on the go,” said media spokesperson Const. Sandasha Bough. “We can say that there have been reports of threats, harrassment and intimidation. And right now while there have been no arrests made, we can say that those investigations are ongoing.”
Bough said police are also investigating damage to an outside wall of the jail. She said arrests will be made if warranted. She added that so far daily demonstrations outside the jail throughout this week have been peaceful.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.
BREAKING Israeli forces seize Rafah border crossing in Gaza, putting ceasefire talks on knife's edge
Israeli tanks seized control of Gaza’s vital Rafah border crossing on Tuesday as Israel brushed off urgent warnings from close allies and moved into the southern city even as ceasefire negotiations with Hamas remained on a knife’s edge.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
'It looked so legit': Ontario man books $7,700 luxury villa on Booking.com, but the listing was fake
An Ontario man says he was charged more than $7,700 to book a luxury villa on a popular travel website -- but the listing was fake.
Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA, citing her mental health
Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health.
Putin begins his fifth term as president, more in control of Russia than ever
Vladimir Putin began his fifth term Tuesday as Russian leader at a glittering Kremlin inauguration, setting out on another six years in office after destroying his political opponents, launching a devastating war in Ukraine and concentrating all power in his hands.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.