Damage to the Baffin Correctional Centre
Statement
Damage to the Baffin Correctional Centre
William MacKay, Deputy Minister of Justice today released the following statement:
“Significant damage was done inside the Baffin Correctional Centre (BCC) by four inmates overnight on September 25, 2017, resulting in destruction of 85 per cent of the building’s medium security bed space and 33 per cent of the maximum security bed space.
Significant repairs have been made to the building and upgrades are being completed so that similar incidents cannot be repeated.
Staff from the Corrections Division has put together a security plan in conjunction with the RCMP to address the situation. This includes partnering with other jurisdictions in the short-term. As of September 25, 2017, BCC had 55 inmates, 20 who are sentenced and 35 who are currently remanded.
The four inmates responsible for the incident will be held at the RCMP detachment in Iqaluit until secure placements are found. Staff from BCC, Makigiarvik, the Rankin Inlet Healing Facility, the Kugluktuk Ilavut Centre, and Uttaqivik are working together to ensure appropriate transfers across the territory.
Work continues on the design of the Qikiqtani Correctional Healing Centre, which will replace the current facility. The new infrastructure will address on-going security related issues, as well as provide additional rehabilitative programming.
On behalf of the Department of Justice, I would like to reassure the residents of Iqaluit that there is no threat to the public because of this incident. Our department continues to work diligently to ensure the facility is safe and secure for correctional staff and inmates.”
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Media Contact:
Riita Strickland
Senior Policy Advisor
Department of Justice
(867) 975-6071
@email