Minister Blair responds to inmate death at Mission Institution

OTTAWA – April 16, 2020 – Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, issued the following statement:

“ Our greatest responsibility is keeping Canadians safe – that includes those in our correctional institutions. We have learned that an inmate from Mission Institution died at Abbotsford Regional Hospital as an apparent result of complications related to COVID-19. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the deceased during this difficult time.

We know the unique vulnerabilities facing correctional institutions during this public health crisis. The situation around COVID-19 is both challenging and rapidly evolving, and our response will continue to adapt as required to prevent further tragic loss of life.

We continue to look at options to see what further measures can be taken to ensure that inmates, staff, and our communities are as safe and healthy as possible during this crisis. ”

Associated link: COVID-19 related death of an inmate