Ten inmates at Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener, Ontario, have taken legal action against Correctional Service Canada (CSC) after a break-in in November resulted in the assault of two inmates. According to Jeffrey Hartman, a lawyer representing the inmates from Toronto, many of them are experiencing heightened anxiety and setbacks due to the incident.
The lawsuits were filed in two sets, with some in late November and others in early December. On November 2, the Waterloo Regional Police Service announced that a 28-year-old man from Kitchener was arrested following the break-in at the prison, which has been operational since 1997 and comprises minimum, medium, and maximum-security units.
After climbing the fence and gaining access to the prison yard, the man allegedly assaulted two individuals once inside the facility. CSC promptly placed the facility on lockdown to safeguard both inmates and staff. The man faced charges of break and enter, two counts of assault, and mischief under $5,000.
Hartman, from the law firm Lockyer Zaduk Zeeh, criticized CSC for what he perceived as a delayed response. He emphasized that the medium-security area where his clients were housed is enclosed by a six-foot fence topped with razor wire and monitored by video cameras. He argued that CSC should have prevented the intrusion and provided adequate security measures.
The break-in and subsequent assault have had a profound impact on the affected women, according to Hartman. Many of them entered prison already burdened by past traumas, including experiences of severe sexual abuse, particularly for Indigenous women. The intrusion by the man has exacerbated their emotional distress, leading some to avoid leaving their rooms since the incident.
When contacted for a response, CSC declined to comment specifically on the ongoing legal proceedings but reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all individuals within its facilities. The agency stated that it is actively reviewing the incident to enhance safety protocols and maintain a secure environment.
Hartman is now awaiting CSC’s official statement of defense, anticipating that it may downplay the seriousness of the breach. He emphasized the need for accountability and proper security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.