By Canadian Press

Strike thwarted prisoners advocate from entering Edmonton facility

Apr 20, 2023 | 11:22 AM

OTTAWA — An organization that helps women in the justice system says it is concerned about an ongoing strike by Canada’s largest public-service union after one of its advocates was unable to access an Edmonton prison.

Emilie Coyle, executive director of the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies, says she is worried about further restrictions at a time when some correctional institutions are already dealing with staffing shortages.

Coyle says Correctional Service of Canada staff is accommodating Elizabeth Fry advocates entering prisons, but a picket line in Edmonton on Thursday prevented one of them from going into the facility.

She says Elizabeth Fry supports the right of workers to strike and advocates do not intend on disrupting the picket line, but they do want to enter facilities to ensure that people inside continue to be served properly.

The potential for inmates to have trouble accessing health care, meals and other programming in a timely manner due to the ongoing strike by members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada is another concern.

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The Parole Board of Canada says some of its services, including reviews and record suspensions, could also be impacted as a result of the labour action, which includes picket lines at 250 locations across the country.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 20, 2023.

The Canadian Press