(file photo/paNOW Staff)

By Susan McNeil

Investigation to begin

Sask. Ombudsman wants to hear from Pine Grove inmates

Jul 30, 2024 | 10:32 AM

Women who have been incarcerated at Pine Grove jail in Prince Albert are being asked to contact the Saskatchewan Ombudsman to talk about any adverse experiences they had there.

The request is part of an investigation kicked off by multiple complaints.

“We are aware of significant concerns through complaints made to our office, and decided it is in the public interest to investigate,” said Ombudsman Sharon Pratchler.

Two years ago, paNOW reported over 500 complaints were lodged by inmates at the jail in less than a year.

Earlier this year, the Elizabeth Fry Society spoke up after two women died, potentially of a drug overdose in incidents about one month apart.

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READ MORE: Inmate calls for change at Pine Grove

The Society said something needs to change in how the prison handles the intake of new prisoners. Both deceased women were on remand and had not been through the court process when they died.

The organization, which advocates for the rights of incarcerated women, has welcomed the decision by the Ombudsman to investigate.

“This independent investigation is essential for providing accurate and objective information that can lead to necessary changes. Women who are incarcerated are often ignored and stigmatized, and we hope this investigation will give them a much-needed voice,” Executive Director Nicole Obrigavitch wrote in an e-mailed statement.

It is our hope that this inquiry will serve as a foundation to promote justice, equity, and significant improvements in their treatment and conditions.”

Meanwhile Justice Critic Nicole Sarauer advised the NDP had previously raised concerns about safety in this facility and welcome this investigation.

“The Sask. Party government has not done enough to protect corrections workers and inmates, the majority of whom are Indigenous. We need to be tough on crime and tough on the root causes of crime, including addictions and the lack of housing and mental health services,” she said.

The investigation will also consider to what degree trauma-informed practices and Truth and Reconciliation principles are incorporated into the treatment of individuals in the care of Pine Grove.

Investigators will travel to more remote communities to hear from women there.

A new position of Knowledge Keeper/Carrier and Elders’ Helper has been created in the Ombudsman’s office.

James (Jim) Pratt has been hired to fill the role and will start in early September.

“In his role, Jim will actively support our unwavering commitment to the process of Indigenizing and decolonizing practices within the Ombudsman SK office, striving to embody kwayaskkowowin – fairness and equity – in all our endeavours,” according to the Ombudsman website.

The investigation timeline will depend on how many people come forward and the kinds of issues they raise. Pratchler says a fair and impartial process and trauma-informed approaches will be applied throughout the investigation.

A report will be issued to the public when the investigation is complete.

The last comprehensive review of Saskatchewan’s correctional centres was done in 2002. That report is called Locked Out and is viewable on the Ombudsman’s website.

To connect with the Ombudsman’s office, choose any of these options. Call 1-844-608-1180 (toll-free) or 306-787-4236. These are dedicated lines set up for this purpose.

They will be available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, plus Friday evenings and Saturday. Go to ombudsman.sk.ca and click on Pine Grove Complaint Form.

You can also write a letter to the Ombudsman at 500 – 2103 11th Avenue, Regina, SK, S4P 3Z8. Request an in-person meeting with the Ombudsman or a member of her team.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com