Uncooked food prompts hunger strike at Regina Correctional Centre

More than 60 inmates at the Regina Correctional Centre launched a hunger strike over the quality of the food they’re being served.

The Ministry of Justice describes it as a tray refusal that started with 62 inmates and is now at 34 as of Monday morning.

The strike began Saturday morning over brunch after uncooked eggs were reportedly given to the prisoners.

Concerns about the food have been raised by inmates over the past month, and a petition with a list of demands was submitted to prison management on Nov. 18.

Food services at the jail were switched to a private company, Compass Group, last month.

Drew Wilby, a justice ministry spokesman, says officials are looking into the matter.

“We are about six weeks into that (new contract) now and we expected some challenges of course, with any transition like that there will be some challenges.” Wilby explained by telephone. “We have addressed some of those concerns with Compass Group and continue to do so and we’re confident that we will be able to find a solution and make sure those high quality meals are being provided across the province.”

Wilby added they are also monitoring the situation to the ensure the safety of the staff and inmates is maintained.

The Saskatchewan NDP issued a statement on Sunday, accusing the SaskParty government of “risking public safety in order to pursue privatization”.

“Saskatchewan families also don’t want to see a flood of inmates needing medical care as a result of spoiled or raw food,” the statement from NDP central services critic Warren McCall continued.

The Saskatchewan government and General Employees Union (SGEU) says it warned there would be issues with privatizing food services in prisons.

SGEU president Bob Bymoen wonders how much all this is going to cost.

“These trays of food are being sent back and new trays being brought forward. Who’s billing for the new trays? Is the government paying for the additional trays of food,” Bymoen asked. “In the contract if they order additional trays of food they have to pay for it, so are we paying twice to feed the same people?”

Bymoen hopes the government rethinks its decision.

“With Compass, they have a chance to review this and own up to their mistakes and get out of this contract in a year and they should seriously be looking at that.”

A call has been made to Compass Group Canada.