This News Release is also available in Inuktitut (PDF 104 KB)
Iqaluit, 10 March 2015—The Department of Justice has not met its key responsibilities for inmates within the correctional system, says the Auditor General of Canada, Michael Ferguson, in his report presented to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut today. The audit looked at whether the Department adequately planned for and operated facilities to house inmates and adequately managed inmates in compliance with key rehabilitation and reintegration requirements.
“The Department has a responsibility for ensuring the safe and secure operation of correctional facilities,” said Mr. Ferguson. “However, serious concerns about the state of the Baffin Correctional Centre, which have been known for decades, have yet to be addressed.”
The audit found that the Department has not addressed the territory’s most critical facility needs: the lack of appropriate space (including the need for maximum-security space) and the poor condition of the Baffin Correctional Centre, which continue to put the safety and security of inmates and staff at risk. Despite the construction of the Rankin Inlet Healing Facility and Makigiarvik at a combined cost of approximately $53 million, the Department still cannot properly house maximum-security inmates, and its projections indicate that it will need additional beds in the long term. Therefore, there will be a continuing need to house inmates at the Baffin Correctional Centre, even though the poor condition of the facility remains unaddressed.
At the territory’s two largest correctional facilities, the Baffin Correctional Centre and the Rankin Inlet Healing Facility, inmates had limited access to rehabilitative programs, and plans had not been developed for the inmates’ release back to their communities to help them reintegrate. In addition, most inmates identified as needing mental health services at the Baffin Correctional Centre did not receive them.
“The Department needs to focus on addressing its most critical facility needs: the lack of appropriate space in correctional facilities and the poor condition of the Baffin Correctional Centre. Future investments should be based on addressing the critical needs identified,” said Mr. Ferguson.
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The report “Corrections in Nunavut—Department of Justice” is available on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada website.
Ronnie Campbell
Assistant Auditor General, Office of the Auditor General of Canada
Cell phone: 613-866-5266
Email: Ronnie.Campbell@oag-bvg.gc.ca
or
Media Relations, Office of the Auditor General of Canada
Tel.: 1-888-761-5953
Email: infomedia@oag-bvg.gc.ca
Twitter: OAG_BVG
