Condition of Provincial Corrections Facilities - Question Period

MS. CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Justice. The prisoners at the Burnside jail have just ended their 20-day strike. In a statement today they say: "It is with heavy hearts we write that shortly after the end of our protest, a fellow prisoner incarcerated here lost his life. The conditions and environment here speak for themselves. Since the protests started we have been locked down with even less time spent outside, in contact with our families, or getting any recreation. We know how these conditions hurt the mental health of people imprisoned here."

Mr. Speaker, will the minister admit that conditions in our provincial correctional facilities are dangerously harming the mental health of the Nova Scotians imprisoned there?

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the question from my colleague. The circumstances most recently in the passing of an inmate are tragic, and our hearts and prayers go out to the family members who are grieving.

With regard to the facility, there's a significant amount of change taking place. That change is very progressive. It's implementing new strategies and expanding programs. It's providing services to inmates.

Is there more work to do? Absolutely. We're committed to doing that work.

MS. CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, the prisoners at the Burnside jail - the majority of whom, I will remind you, are still awaiting trial - have been calling for access to mental health treatment. They describe having medications summarily cut off, delays in being able to access necessary medications, not having access to appropriate medical professionals, and not receiving compassionate care.

As the striking prisoners so eloquently stated, "Medical treatment is a right: being deprived of health care is not part of our sentences."

Will the minister commit today to immediate action to improve access to mental health care for prisoners?

MR. FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, my colleague would know that we had an opportunity to tour the facility. She's very aware of the forensic side of the facility and the mental health programs that are available there, both on the forensic side and also on the custodial side. We recognize that these are important programs. There are health care services available within the facility on a frequent basis.

My colleague speaks about the delay in some of the appointments. That does happen. That's based on the availability of corrections officers to ensure the safety of those who are providing health care services within that environment. That is our priority: the public health and safety of all who find themselves within that particular facility.