Windsor, Ontario — Howard Sapers, a former federal correctional investigator, is calling for significant reforms to address persistent problems that contribute to fatalities in Canadian correctional institutions. His remarks came after a coroner’s inquest revealed a troubling pattern in the circumstances surrounding inmate deaths, highlighting deficiencies in staffing, training, and facility infrastructure.
During a recent interview, Sapers expressed frustration over the repetitive nature of findings within these inquests. He noted that the same issues arise time and again, leading him to feel disillusioned as he examined numerous reports. “It’s like Groundhog Day,” he remarked, pointing out that the systemic issues are often overlooked in favor of addressing individual incidents.
The inquest into the death of Joseph Gratton, who died from fentanyl toxicity in 2019 at the South West Detention Centre, underscored many of these recurring themes. At the time of Gratton’s overdose, a cellmate had reported feeling ill, yet a nurse failed to investigate further, attributing the symptoms to dietary issues and citing her heavy workload as a reason for inadequate attention. Additionally, Gratton’s requests for Suboxone, a medication designed for opioid addiction treatment, were denied due to past concerns about possible medication hoarding.
Sapers emphasized that focusing solely on specific cases will not lead to meaningful change. Instead, he advocates for a comprehensive approach that targets the root causes of the problems within the correctional system, such as chronic understaffing and overcrowding. “There are these spasms of reform followed by inevitable backsliding,” he said, underscoring the need for sustained commitment from policymakers.
The former investigator highlighted recent discussions about conducting joint inquests for deaths that share similar circumstances, positing that addressing broader systemic issues might yield more effective solutions. He noted that experts are already aware of many potential improvements that could be enacted, including enhanced infrastructure and increased staffing levels.
Sapers also pointed out the necessity of better collaboration between correctional facilities and external health-care providers, as well as improved coordination among police, corrections, and the courts. Such holistic strategies could address the gaps within the current system and help prevent future tragedies.
With Ontario’s correctional facilities straining under increased pressure, advocates for reform are urging authorities to take decisive action. The focus must shift from merely examining individual cases to implementing comprehensive reforms that can improve safety and health outcomes for inmates. As the calls for meaningful change grow louder, the hope is that this time, the lessons learned will not be forgotten.