The Pine Grove Correctional Centre is located on the northeastern outskirts of Prince Albert. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Inmate action

Inmates at Pine Grove refusing food, claim water causing boils

Nov 7, 2023 | 5:00 PM

Concerns related to the quality of water at the Pine Grove Correctional Centre (PGCC) is, according to an inmate’s advocacy group, among the reasons why a small group of inmates is refusing tray service.

A spokesperson for Beyond Prison Walls Canada, shared with paNOW the inmate who initiated the action on Oct. 31, cited concerns with brown water and claimed women were getting sick.

The group also claims Pine Grove staff refused to share the results of the water they had tested.

When paNOW reached out to the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety for comment, an emailed response confirmed the ministry was made aware from officials at the women’s jail that five offenders stated they were participating in a tray refusal for personal and cultural reasons.

“PGCC officials will continue to monitor and meet with the offenders to ensure their health and safety and discuss any concerns they may have,” the ministry said.

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The City of Prince Albert supplies potable water to the Pine Grove Correctional Centre, however the Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement is responsible for any concerns or issues related to the infrastructure or maintenance of the province’s jails. In their own statement to paNOW, the ministry said they were not aware of any concerns or issues with the water quality at the Pine Grove Correctional Centre.

“No known issues impacting water quality with the main water supply or distribution system in the facility currently exist. The ministry is actioning supplementary water testing as a precautionary measure to confirm the water quality,” they said.

The ministry’s statement went on to explain that consistent with Waterworks and Sewage Works Regulations, which are regulated by the province;s Water Security Agency and the Ministry of Environment, water requires testing only after completion, alteration, extension or repair of water distribution works.

It also requires testing when it is shut off either by a city, government, or after a water main break when there could be contamination entering the line.

“The government’s priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of staff and inmates,” the ministry said.

The inmate responsible for the recent action, Faith Eagle, staged a similar protest last year, and had cited concerns then related to quality of living conditions.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell