Sask. ombudsman looking to investigate conditions at Pine Grove Correctional Centre

Saskatchewan's ombudsman wants to hear how people incarcerated at the Pine Grove Correctional Centre in Prince Albert have been affected by the conditions there.

"We are aware of significant concerns through complaints made to our office, and decided it is in the public interest to investigate," ombudsman Sharon Pratchler said in a news release on Monday.

Earlier this month, the Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan raised the alarm about overcrowding at Pine Grove. Government officials confirmed that on July 12, there were 263 female inmates at the jail, which was designed to hold a maximum of 166 inmates.

There were also two inmate deaths so far this year.

In the news release, the ombudsman's office said it would be considering to what degree trauma-informed practices and Truth and Reconciliation principles are incorporated into the treatment of individuals in the care of Pine Grove.

The office has also created a new position of knowledge keeper/carrier and Elders' helper, set to begin work in early September.

The office will issue a report with recommendations, following the investigation, but the timeline "will depend on how many people come forward and the kinds of issues they raise," the news release said.

People can contact the ombudsman in the following ways:

• Call dedicated lines at 1-844-608-1180 (toll-free) or 306-787-4236, available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, plus Friday evenings and Saturday.
• Go to ombudsman.sk.ca and click on Pine Grove Complaint Form.
• Write a letter to the ombudsman at 500–2103 11th Avenue, Regina, SK, S4P 3Z8.
• Request an in-person meeting with the ombudsman or a member of her team, who will travel to communities, including northern communities.