Lethbridge Correctional Centre. (Lethbridge News Now)

By The Canadian Press

Group calls for release of non-violent inmates to reduce COVID-19 spread in prisons

Mar 26, 2020 | 1:38 PM

Advocates are calling for the release of non-violent inmates and a unified plan to deal with the health and safety of prisoners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dozens of organizations have sent letters to officials asking them to release non-violent offenders and people awaiting trial.

Amanda Hart-Dowhun, president of the Alberta Prison Justice Society, says correctional staff would not be able to handle an outbreak.

In an open letter, the Canadian Prison Law Association highlights measures Ontario is taking to reduce to the number of people in custody, but notes it needs to happen all over Canada.

The province announced it is granting some inmates temporary absences from custody and allowing early release for others who are near the end of their sentence.

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Public Safety Minister Bill Blair says the system is taking preventive measures to keep staff and inmates safe, but he didn’t give specifics.

The Ontario government said today that an inmate and a guard have tested positive or the virus at the Toronto South Detention Centre.

(The Canadian Press)

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