Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner speaks during a press conference at the Toronto Police College in Etobicoke, Ont., on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Tijana Martin
Six inmates who were mistakenly released from Ontario’s jails are still unaccounted for, Premier Doug Ford said on Tuesday.
Since 2021, over 150 inmates have been improperly released from the provincial jail system, creating a growing scandal that has plagued the province since last week.
“It’s unacceptable, no excuses,” Ford stated. “We need to tighten things up throughout the ministry.”
Ford assured that every inmate who is currently at large will be recaptured.
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Despite these issues, Ford continues to support Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, who oversees the provincial jail system.
Ford mentioned that Kerzner is “doing a great job” with plans for expanding jails in the province.
The tough-on-crime premier expressed his anger regarding the situation and said he had informed Kerzner, the deputy minister, and “the whole chain” about its unacceptability.
“It can’t happen again,” Ford remarked.
This past Monday, both the solicitor general and his deputy apologized for mistakenly claiming all 157 criminals who were improperly released had been apprehended immediately after their release from provincial jails over the past five years.
Kerzner repeatedly stated last week during question periods at Queen’s Park and afterward to reporters that officials had caught these criminals right after they were improperly released.
The found out through a freedom-of-information request that between 2021 and September 2025, there were 157 inmates improperly released from jails across the province.
The documents revealed several inmates remained unaccounted for months following their release.
Kerzner admitted to being “imprecise” in his statements when addressing the legislature.
“I’d like to correct my record without reservation: I inadvertently referenced the immediate re-apprehension of improperly released inmates instead of clarifying that local police were notified right away,” Kerzner explained in front of legislators.
“I apologize unreservedly to this house for giving information that wasn’t fully accurate.”
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Associate Solicitor General Zee Hamid also issued a similar apology for saying every criminal who was mistakenly released was caught immediately.
The province has faced criticism regarding this issue over recent days.
Interim Liberal leader John Fraser bombarded Kerzner with questions during four question periods including on Tuesday. He persistently asked how many inmates still remain at large
Kerzner continuously avoided answering how many criminals have been improperly released since last September. He also did not respond when asked about how many remain on the run.
Right after question period ended , Ford spoke with reporters concerning those inmates still at large.
Fraser noted that following their exchange in chamber , Kerzner approached him afterwards and disclosed numbers he had previously refrained from sharing inside.
“ We hear it from premier in scrum after we ’ve asked dozen questions – I don’t have explanation other than he doesn’t know file,” Fraser commented. “He shouldn’t hold position as minister , if premier thinks he’s doing well , again that’s telling about him.”
Last week , Kerzner claimed multiple times during question period officials swiftly caught any improper releases.
“If there was an improper release , those individuals are immediately re-apprehended and returned back where they belong,” he asserted on Thursday.</He added : “ It’s very straightforward , when someone gets wrongly released they’re apprehended right away.”
Kerzner then directed some remarks toward Fraser.“ At end of day because my colleague across aisle doesn ’ t hear clearly let me repeat : Those people wrongfully freed are back where they belong almost instantaneously behind bars,” he stated.
New Democrat Leader Marit Stiles suggested both Kerrzner along with “entire government” ought resign over matter.“ This is premier ; he claims law-and-order yet here we’ve got prisoners loose within province,” Stiles pointed out.“ Furthermore we’ve got solicitor general lying towards Ontarians refusing take responsibility here.”This report by The Canadian Press first appeared April 21 , 2026.
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Kerzner then directed some remarks toward Fraser.“ At end of day because my colleague across aisle doesn ’ t hear clearly let me repeat : Those people wrongfully freed are back where they belong almost instantaneously behind bars,” he stated.
New Democrat Leader Marit Stiles suggested both Kerrzner along with “entire government” ought resign over matter.“ This is premier ; he claims law-and-order yet here we’ve got prisoners loose within province,” Stiles pointed out.“ Furthermore we’ve got solicitor general lying towards Ontarians refusing take responsibility here.”This report by The Canadian Press first appeared April 21 , 2026.
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