News Releases

Pacific Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ASSAULT AT MATSQUI INSTITUTION

ABBOTSFORD, BC, October 9, 2008 - On Wednesday, October 8, 2008, at approximately 2245 hours, an inmate was found to have been assaulted at Matsqui Institution. The injured inmate was immediately assessed by staff and escorted to outside hospital for treatment. The injuries sustained were not considered life threatening.

The institution is currently locked down, and all inmates are secured in their cells. An investigation and institutional search have been initiated.

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

Safety and security remains the highest priority in the operations of the federal correctional system.

Matsqui Institution is a medium security facility operated by the Correctional Service of Canada. It is located in Abbotsford and currently houses 362 male offenders.

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For further information media representatives may contact:

Line Guibert-Wolff
Media Relations and Outreach Advisor - Pacific Region
604-870-2523 (o)
604-302-4509 (c)