Safety of BCC staff, inmates still at risk, former Nunavut fire marshall says

In regards to your story about the recent riot and fire at the Baffin Correctional Centre, I have to say that this was a major concern with overcrowding and fire issues that were brought forward in my review of this facility.

The reports from both the Office of the Fire Marshal and independent reports from outside the government by consultants have identified many issues where the safety of the inmates and the general public would be at risk if a fire or a riot took place.

Unfortunately, there is no facility in Iqaluit to securely place prisoners if BCC is consumed by fire.

It should be noted that this is not the first time since my termination from the position of Fire Marshal that incidents have occured involving fire at this facility.

The building of the correctional facility in Rankin will allow the strain to be taken off of the Baffin facility, however, this does not address the facility’s building issues or safety issues.

Overcrowding will occur again at BCC once the Rankin facility is at maximum occupancy. When this happens, the inmates will again be shipped to other areas of Canada, which in turn will raise costs for the GN, which in turn will subsequently reduce funding for social programs.

In the meantime, the safety of the correctional facility staff, prisoners and the general public will continue to be an afterthought for the elected officials in charge of BCC, the deputy dinister of CGS and the Director of Safety Services.

Section Seven of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is a constitutional provision that protects an individual’s autonomy and personal legal rights from actions of the government.

Section 7 of the Charter states that everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice.

Stand up for your right under the Canadian Charter and demand that your government comply with it, since delays in addressing the safety and health issues at BCC could have physical and stressful consequences on the residents of Iqaluit.

Tony Noakes Jr.
Former Nunavut Fire Marshal

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