Corrections Canada to review recommendations after inquiry into suicide of inmate at Sask. Penitentiary

The Correctional Service of Canada said they will “diligently consider” the recommendations of the coroner’s jury into the suicide of an inmate at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary.

A spokesperson for the service, Jeff Campbell, responded to this week’s public inquest into the death of Andy Allan Brassard. The former Saskatchewan Penitentiary inmate committed suicide in his cell in November of 2012.

“Going forward we are going to diligently consider those recommendations and will provide our response after we have conducted a full review of the recommendations,” Campbell said.

Among the jury’s recommendations was mandatory suicide awareness training for all new and existing staff at the Sask. Penitentiary. The jury also recommended consistent mental health checks and more attention paid to those who have mental health issues.

Campbell could not provide a timeline for the review process and also would not comment on whether he considered the four recommendations to be fair.

“We’ll do our evaluation and certainly conduct that for review and respond accordingly,” said Campbell.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice confirmed for paNOW the jury’s suggestions had been received by the province’s Chief Coroner. It is his responsibility to forward them to the appropriate parties. Once sent, it is expected the party will review, then respond.

The recommendations are not legally binding but the coroner’s office does track their progress and will do a follow up within six months.