Deplorable conditions at Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre continue to threaten public safety

Following the death of two inmates last month, London-Fanshawe NDP MPP Teresa Armstrong said that Kathleen Wynne needs to stop disregarding the deplorable conditions at the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre (EMDC).

The recent EMDC deaths occurred within days of the inmates’ arrival. Armstrong said community welfare, and the health and safety of correctional staff and inmates are all at risk.

“It’s simply unacceptable that public safety in London has been allowed to deteriorate to this point,” said Armstrong. “Kathleen Wynne has failed to deliver on the very basics of governing and has let Ontario families down. Despite years of Liberal promises and platitudes, staff shortages and overcrowded facilities in a state of disrepair are the new normal in Ontario corrections. The situation is even worse for inmates with mental health challenges, who are routinely housed in solitary confinement because of the lack of safe alternatives.

“The latest delay in delivering an X-ray body scanner to EMDC will make things even worse and continue to put public safety at risk.”

The EMDC has yet to receive an X-ray body scanner that was expected by fall 2017. X-ray body scanners can detect ceramic weapons and drugs that go undetected by conventional methods. These items are often used by inmates to harm themselves or staff.

“Over the past fourteen years, the crisis in corrections has worsened while Kathleen Wynne and her Liberal government struggle to provide even a basic level of public safety,” said Armstrong. “We cannot wait any longer for this Liberal government to get things right and finally ensure correctional facilities are safe for staff, inmates and the communities that house them.”