Brendan Vermette died of an overdose in the Sask. Pen in 2022. (file photo)

By Susan McNeil

Inquest recommendations

Jury makes multiple recommendations after death of former inmate at Sask Pen.

Mar 28, 2025 | 11:42 AM

The six-person jury tasked with determining the circumstances and manner of the death of Brendan Vermette, who was a prisoner in the Saskatchewan Penitentiary at the time, has made multiple recommendations.

Vermette’s death was determined to be an accidental overdose death caused by his consumption of fentanyl.

Because he was in government custody and his death was not natural, an inquest was held in Prince Albert last week.

The jury made multiple recommendations which Corrections Canada can choose to implement or not.

One was to install infra-red security cameras with audio, and another was to include bulkheads in cell searches

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The RCMP officer who was called to the scene when Vermette was found unconscious on March 9, 2022, discovered five cell phones, a scale, sharpened screwdrivers and a knife in the ducting in Vermette’s cell.

No drugs were found but fentanyl was found in Vermette’s blood by the Forensic Pathologist who conducted the autopsy.

Testimony from corrections officers during the inquest showed an increasing incidence of drones being used to fly drugs or other banned items over jail’s fence.

The jury also recommended implementing effective drone policies.

The remaining recommendations focused on making changes around urinalysis of prisoners coming into the jail and creating programming for remanded prisoners.

Jurors also recommended more rehabilitation options, such as bringing back the farm program and jobs in house.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

On BlueSky: @susanmcneil.bsky.social