Nine inmates across the territory have been released temporarily in an effort to reduce Covid-19 risks at NWT jails, according to the Department of Justice.

Citing SA国际影视传媒減rivacy reasons,SA国际影视传媒� the department wonSA国际影视传媒檛 specify how many inmates have been released from each facility.

There are three jails in the NWT: YellowknifeSA国际影视传媒檚 North Slave Correctional Complex (NSCC), Hay RiverSA国际影视传媒檚 South Mackenzie Correctional Centre and the Fort Smith Correctional Complex.
Kim Schofield, solicitor general and assistant deputy minister, told SA国际影视传媒 Monday that each jail has seen at least one inmate released on a temporary absence.

Temporary absences for inmates can be approved for a number of reasons, from a death in the family to medical appointments.

In late March, the justice department, mirroring moves made by jurisdictions across Canada and around the globe, revealed that it would be releasing some low-risk inmates with one month or less left remaining on their sentences in an effort to reduce NWT jailsSA国际影视传媒� populations amid Covid-19 concerns.

According to Schofield, the nine temporary absences, in concert with additional efforts made alongside the and the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) to reduce the overall population of inmates, has resulted in a 22 per cent drop in prisoner numbers between mid-March and April 20.

SA国际影视传媒淎 combination of factors including temporary absences, bail releases and a reduction of new admissions to custody or remands have contributed to the reduction in inmate counts across all adult facilities,SA国际影视传媒� stated Schofield.

The approach in the wake of Covid-19 means the department and its partners are taking a closer look who's coming into NWT jails SA国际影视传媒� only people who SA国际影视传媒減ose the most risk to public safety,SA国际影视传媒� are being remanded at this time.

Inmates in remand custody are awaiting trial. Remanded inmates make up the bulk of the prisoner population across all NWT jails.

Last month, more than a dozen defence lawyers signed a letter urging the justice department to grant temporary absences SA国际影视传媒渂efore itSA国际影视传媒檚 too late.SA国际影视传媒� With inmates living in close quarters, lawyers said physical distancing isnSA国际影视传媒檛 always an option. They expressed concern that if Covid-19 makes its way into an NWT jail, inmates would be vulnerable to the virus.

That same misgiving was articulated at a bail hearing that brought the issue into focus last week. A convicted Yellowknife drug trafficker sought bail over Covid-19 concerns. He testified itSA国际影视传媒檚 next to impossible to practise physical distancing at NSCC, especially because some inmates werenSA国际影视传媒檛 following directives from staff.

The Department of Justice has said health safety measures SA国际影视传媒� from enhanced inmate screening to bolstered sanitation practices SA国际影视传媒� have been beefed up at the territorySA国际影视传媒檚 Corrections Service-run jails.

WhatSA国际影视传媒檚 being done to protect inmates and staff alike at NWT jails again fell under the microscope this week, according to CBC North. The broadcaster reported that during a bail hearing for Colten McNeely, a Fort Good Hope man convicted of manslaughter, a Supreme Court judge questioned why testing, along with additional measures, like taking inmates' temperatures, arenSA国际影视传媒檛 being introduced at NWT jails. McNeely, who was reportedly seeking release over concerns related to his asthma, was ultimately denied bail.

In SchofieldSA国际影视传媒檚 March 27 statement announcing the decision to release some low-risk inmates, she said the department, SA国际影视传媒渋n the coming days,SA国际影视传媒� would also be looking at granting temporary absences for individuals with less than three months left to serve.
Asked whether that's happening SA国际影视传媒� or if it will happen SA国际影视传媒� Schofield said on Monday that the review process for those inmates is SA国际影视传媒渙ngoing.SA国际影视传媒�

SA国际影视传媒�(The review) will be continuing as other inmates come closer to the end of their sentences,SA国际影视传媒� stated Schofield. SA国际影视传媒淎t all times, factors that are considered include: completion of a certain portion of their sentence, the risk level of the individual -- including their risk to reoffend -- completion of institutional programming, and their release plans including supports and living arrangements, among other factors."