Disturbing Burnside Jail Video - Question Period

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. Last week, a disturbing video was shared on social media that clearly identifies a woman imprisoned at the Burnside jail, and according to an editorial in today's paper, which I will table, has a caption that, quote, "humiliates, belittles, and dehumanizes" her.

In addition to being a privacy breach, the video is sexist and offensive, and it further erodes trust in the Nova Scotia justice system. The government has said that an internal investigation is under way, but it's clear that this is also a systemic issue.

My question for the Premier is: Will he commit to making any findings and recommendations from the investigation public to ensure that it never happens again?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Obviously, the circumstances that are being investigated are being taken very seriously. That's why an investigation of the video and photo that was released publicly is being undertaken. I believe the investigation needs to follow all - both legal as well as workplace, both in adherence with collective agreements and labour standards for the workplace. When we receive the final results, the next steps will be guided by the results of the investigation itself.

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : I have no doubt that personal information can be redacted in a public report.

The fact that this video appears to have been taken by a correctional officer is evidence of the dehumanizing attitudes that persist in our justice institutions despite some good work that's been done over the recent period.

Elizabeth Fry Societies of Nova Scotia and Coverdale Courtwork Society have again written to the Minister of Justice after no response to their first letter to ask that the findings be shared with them, at the least, and also to be involved in the solutions. One solution could and should be community-based bail housing for those on remand. This doesn't exist in the provincial system.

I asked the Premier last week about funding cuts to programs offered by Elizabeth Fry Societies and Coverdale, the leading organizations working towards this end.

Will the Premier and the Minister of Justice now agree to provide increased provincial funding to ensure that services offered by these vital organizations that can prevent these things from happening are not cut?

RANDY DELOREY « » : First, for clarification, as the member noted, funding cuts that have been referenced are not provincial. I want to be absolutely clear for our colleagues and the general public. The cuts and reduction to funding come from organizations outside the provincial government. That needs to be clearly established.

In addition, there have been increases in funding for these organizations as recently as the Fall, I believe upwards of $300,000. Even in just the last couple of weeks, my colleague the Minister of Community Services, through her department, has also provided increased funding to these organizations. I want to make that point clear, that this government, through multiple departments, continues to support the work they do on behalf of Nova Scotians.