(File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Corrections

Sask. government called on to address overcrowding at women’s jail

Jul 5, 2024 | 5:00 PM

The Saskatchewan government is being called on to form a task force and address concerns related to both overcrowding at the Pine Grove Correctional Centre (PGCC), as well as the overall representation of Indigenous women in the criminal justice system.

The Elizabeth Fry Society (EFS) is an organization that advocates for women who have been incarcerated and in a letter sent to various government ministers, states the recent count at Pine Grove Correctional Centre (PGCC) was 280. The institutional capacity is 166 and according to the EFS, 163 of these women in custody are on remand.

Nationally, Indigenous women in the carceral system reached 50 per cent last May. However, in the province of Saskatchewan, this figure is significantly higher, sitting at approximately 90 to 95 per cent, and the trends suggest they will continue to increase.

“These numbers demand immediate attention and urgent action,” EFS Executive Director Nicole Obrigavitch wrote.

Concerns with respect to Pine Grove and a need to ensure supports are being provided to women who have just been released came to light in January, 2021. Kimberly Squirrel, 34, was found frozen to death in Saskatoon.

Last minute add

Raiders sign overage defenceman Cedricson Okitundu from OHL's Bulldogs

6h ago

Newly Added Position

New Deputy Sheriff coming to Prince Albert Court of King's Bench

Sep 19, 2024

Riderville

Ask Not for Whom the Bell Tolls

Sep 19, 2024

Going forward, Obrigavitch states that the colonial system is not the answer and the goal should be to address the root causes of an individual’s involvement in the justice system by supporting their healing outside institutions and prioritizing diversion and reintegration programs.

“The availability of safe, appropriate, and affordable housing is at an all-time low, exacerbating an already dire situation. It is evident that the solution lies in providing services and supports in the community that lead to diversion rather than perpetuating a system that further traumatizes and marginalizes individuals,” she explained.

Tatiana Custer was among two women who passed away this year, while in custody. (Facebook)

Noting the need to provide people with actual options and support, so they can live happy and productive lives when given options, proper treatment, and support, Obrigavitch said there must be a shift from enforcement and custody to trauma-informed support and healing.

“We are only as good as our options. We cannot expect people to make good choices when they don’t have any. We must provide options.”

In a statement provided to paNOW, Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Third Vice Chief Aly Bear said she is deeply concerned by what she described as mismanagement of Pine Grove Provincial Correctional Facility.

“This year alone, three First Nations women have died in custody, and the Province and Justice system are not addressing these concerns. Although 17 per cent of Saskatchewan’s population is First Nations, 95 per cent of Pine Grove’s inmates are of First Nations descent, and the facility is approximately 60 per cent over capacity,” she said.

Bear added overpopulation in correctional facilities leads to deteriorating living conditions, strained resources, and increased violence.

“It also results in inadequate healthcare, mental health services, and rehabilitative programs, negatively impacting both inmates and staff. Correctional officers face increased workloads and stress, leading to burnout and compromised safety. The conditions at Pine Grove also represent a significant breach of human rights,” she said.

Response from government

According to a statement provided by the Ministry of Corrections, as Friday morning, there were 248 inmates at the Pine Grove Correctional Centre. Additionally, 2,038 female Community Corrections clients are currently being supervised in their communities.

The Ministry then went on cite several examples of action being taken to mitigate space pressures, including $2.2 million invested to expand the Electronic Monitoring program by 120 units.

There are currently 37 female inmates supervised by Electronic Monitoring in their communities instead of being incarcerated.

The Ministry also noted the creation of a 24-bed unit at the Prince Albert Youth Residence; the utilization of a 24-bed unit at Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford to reduce pressures at Pine Grove.

The Ministry has also adapted a 16-bed unit at the Paul Dojack Youth Centre that is anticipated to be operational in the fall of 2024.

The following is a list of other steps being taken:

• The Women’s Reintegration Unit (WRU) in Saskatoon provides community supports, programming and the opportunity to work with local businesses to secure employment and help them successfully reintegrate back into the community upon leaving custody. This facility can house up to 14 women at a time.
• There are also women housed at the Whitebirch Female Remand Unit in Regina and in a second unit at Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford.

• The Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety provides a variety of programs and services to reduce returns to custody for female inmates and help them successfully reintegrate back into their communities:
  • The Saskatoon Tribal Council operates the īkwēskīcik iskwēwak program in partnership with the ministries of Justice and Attorney General, Corrections Policing and Public Safety, and Health. This program provides 18 months of intensive supports for female offenders who frequently return to custody for minor offenses. Government is investing $3.6M into the īkwēskīcik iskwēwak program over four fiscal years. Additional information on Īkwēskīcik iskwēwak can be found here.
  • Government is also taking proactive steps to help people exit criminal lifestyles. In 2024-25, ‘STR8 UP: 10,000 Little Steps to Healing Inc.’ (STR8 UP) will receive $1.125M to support gang affiliated individuals exit gang lifestyles in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert. STR8 UP has been providing these services since December 2019, and it will receive a total of $3.375M over the 2023-24 and 2025-26 fiscal years.
  • In 2024-25, government is providing $304,283 to Kate’s Place, a supportive residence with eight, two-bedroom units. It is operated by Salvation Army Regina for women who are either participating in the Regina Drug Treatment Court (RDTC) or being supervised by Community Corrections. More information on this investment can be found here.
  • All women in custody have access to a variety of rehabilitative programming and access to culturally-appropriate services, such as time with Elders, cultural lodges, and ceremony and programming delivered through cultural advisors.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell