News Releases

Pacific Region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOCKDOWN AT MATSQUI INSTITUTION

Abbotsford, BC, November 4, 2010 —On Wednesday November 4, 2010 at approximately 14:45 hours Matsqui Institution went into a lock down.

The Warden authorized a lock-down and exceptional search of the institution today because of the number of inmates checking in to segregation and the finding of a sharp edged weapon, drugs, tobacco and other unauthorized materials in the living unit. In addition to the above, Matsqui Institution staff also had to respond to an inmate fight just prior to the lock down.

Regularly scheduled visits to the institution have been suspended for the duration of the lockdown. The institution will remain locked down until searching has been completed.

As part of its Transformation Agenda, Correctional Service Canada (CSC) is strengthening measures to prevent contraband from entering institutions, in order to help ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone, and promote a rehabilitative environment for inmates. CSC also works in partnership with the police to prosecute inmates and others who attempt to have contraband brought into correctional institutions.

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 277 male offenders.

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For further information, please contact:

Gord Tanner,
Assistant Warden Management Services
Matsqui Institution ,
Correctional Service of Canada
Box 2500, 33344 King Rd
Abbotsford V2S 4P3
Phone 604-850-8205