The Canadian Union of Public Employees is calling on the provincial and federal governments to release as many prisoners as possible from correctional centres, the Prince Albert Penitentiary, the Regional Psychiatric Centre and youth custodial centres. The union, which represents more than 130 Legal Aid employees, including lawyers and administrative staff, says overcrowded facilities are a potential public health risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meara Conway, President of CUPE Local 1949 says, “An outbreak in any of Saskatchewan’s jails could strain nearby health care systems and threaten the wellbeing of inmates, staff and nearby communities.” The prisoners it has in mind are non-violent offenders, those who are not a threat to the community, and those considered low risk to re-offend, particularly where those individual are elderly and/or have medical conditions that make them more vulnerable to the virus.

The union is also concerned about people who have not been convicted of any criminal offence and are in custody on remand awaiting trial. The union feels the governments should consider having these individuals released as long as they are not accused of a substantive offence which poses a threat to public safety. The CUPE local is also encouraging governments to release directives encouraging Crown Attorneys and Judges to consider community release options for convicted persons where appropriate.