News Releases

Pacific Region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ASSAULT AT MATSQUI INSTITUTION

ABBOTSFORD, BC, August 11, 2008 - On Sunday, August 10, 2008 at approximately 0940 hours, an inmate reported that he was assaulted at Matsqui Institution. The injured inmate was immediately escorted to a health care facility in order to stabilize his condition. The injuries sustained were considered life-threatening. The inmate remains in hospital, in stable condition.

Following the incident, all inmates were secured in their cells. A count was conducted and an inspection of inmates was initiated where it was found that another inmate had received a slash/stab injury. This inmate's injuries were assessed as not serious and he was segregated after receiving medical attention.

An investigation and institutional search is ongoing. The institution is currently locked down.

In order to improve its practices to prevent and reduce future incidents, the Correctional Service of Canada will continue to work with the police in an effort review the circumstances surrounding the incident and take action where necessary.

Ensuring the safety and security of institutions, staff, and public remains the highest priority in the operations of the federal correctional system.

Matsqui Institution is a medium security facility operated by Correctional Service of Canada. It is located in Abbotsford, B.C. and has a current population of 362 male offenders.

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For further information media representatives may contact:

Dave Lefebvre
Communications Manager Pacific Region
604-870-2680 (o)
604-855-1318 (c)