Solitary Confinement Class Action Commenced Against Province of Ontario
TORONTO, April 20, 2017 /CNW/ - Koskie Minsky LLP has commenced a class action against the Province of Ontario alleging human rights violations relating to the over-use of solitary confinement in Ontario prisons.
The statement of claim issued on April 20, 2017 alleges, among other things, that the Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services has been negligent, has breached its fiduciary duties and has breached the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in placing mentally ill prisoners in solitary confinement for prolonged periods.
The class includes all mentally ill prisoners who were subjected to solitary confinement in Ontario prisons between January 1, 1985 and the present. The Plaintiff's lawyers believe that thousands of people will be included in this class proceeding.
Conrey Francis, a prisoner who has been remanded at the Toronto South Detention Centre since January 2015 and who was recently acquitted of all charges, is the proposed representative plaintiff.
Kirk Baert, a partner at Koskie Minsky LLP, stated "For too long, the government of Ontario has ignored ongoing human rights violations in their own institutions. Over-reliance on solitary confinement must come to an end."
James Sayce, a lawyer at Koskie Minsky, stated "Prisoners are being locked away in solitary confinement and forgotten. This practice is shocking and the responsible government actors should be held accountable."
SOURCE Koskie Minsky LLP
contact James Sayce at 416-542-6298
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