News Releases

Pacific Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lock Down Matsqui Institution

Abbotsford, BC - On May 12, 2009 at approximately 16:00 hrs, inmates at Matsqui Institution were confined to their living units in response to threats of assault against inmates willing to return to work. Since March 30, inmates have been refusing to attend work and programs because they oppose the new structured work day.

Attempts with mediation are ongoing in an effort to have all inmates return to their regular work and program assignments as quickly as possible. Regularly scheduled visits to the institution have not been suspended and scheduled Private Family Visits are continuing.

There have been no reported injuries to staff of offenders as a result of this work refusal. Ensuring 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 the Correctional Service of Canada. It is located in Abbotsford and has a current population of 304 male offenders.

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

Gordon Tanner
Assistant Warden Management Services
Matsqui Institution
Box 2500 33344 King Rd
Abbotsford, BC
V2S 4P3
Phone 604-850-8205