Ontario’s Jail Violence Increases Amid New Construction Plans

As the province continues to emphasize its “tough on crime” approach and advocates for federal bail reform this week, reports indicate a rise in violence within Ontario jails – involving both inmate-on-inmate and inmate-on-staff attacks – according to data analysis provided to by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU).

Recent figures from 2025 reveal that for every 100 inmates, about 11 staff members were assaulted. This is an increase from roughly nine in 2024. Nine staff members faced assaults in 2019 prior to the pandemic as well.

The data for 2025 also indicates that out of every 100 inmates, 67 experienced assaults from fellow inmates, up from around 60 in 2023 and 66 in 2019.

<p“These figures reflect what our staff are dealing with daily,” stated Adam Cygler, who represents correctional workers through OPSEU and serves on the employee relations committee for corrections in Ontario.

“The increase in violence is mainly due to overcrowding and insufficient bed space,” he explained.

“We’re seeing a substantial rise in the number of inmates being held in provincial correctional facilities without a corresponding increase in staffing,” Cygler added.

An ombudsman report released last June highlighted that correctional institutions are struggling with “chronic staff shortages,” with some facilities operating at over 150 percent of their capacity.

calculated assault rates based on data supplied by OPSEU alongside an average of monthly jail population figures obtained from the Ministry of the Solicitor General via a freedom of information request. CBC averaged these monthly population numbers for each year except for 2025. The average jail population for that year was derived from the first six months available.

Ombudsman cautioned about ‘growing crisis’ in jails

The concerns Cygler mentions – overcrowding and staffing issues – aren’t new problems.

In his report for 2024-25, Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé alerted about the “growing crisis in Ontario jails.” His findings identified five main areas needing attention:

Overcrowding, including instances where three inmates share cells designed for two. Frequent lockdowns. Inadequate health care. Access issues for Indigenous inmates lacking liaison officers. Mental health patients placed into segregation.

Dubé’s report also noted that most individuals detained in Ontario jails are awaiting trial, meaning they are presumed innocent under law.

<p“When we fail to uphold basic dignity standards for those incarcerated, we do more than cause harm – we damage public trust, worsen working conditions for staff, and undermine our justice system's foundations,” stated the report.

An earlier investigation by found that over 80 percent of individuals held within Ontario jails were waiting on trial.

This past Monday, Premier Doug Ford along with Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner revealed plans to construct a new jail facility in Brockville. Ford remarked that this initiative is part of their strategy to add a total of 1,436 new correctional beds across the province by the year 2032.

<p“For public safety reasons, offenders – especially repeat violent offenders – should be kept behind bars,” said Kerzner.

Ford reiterated calls for stricter bail reform measures while urging federal authorities to implement legislation making it harder to obtain bail-particularly concerning violent or repeat offenders. This legislation successfully passed its third reading last month.

<p“As we tighten our grip on crime, we're investing further into our prisons so lack of space won't excuse early releases,” Ford expressed.

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The government’s own bail reform bill proposed last year has yet to pass under Ford’s majority administration. If enacted, this measure would mandate individuals granted bail provide a cash deposit upfront rather than settling later if they breach their release conditions.

Certain opposition politicians along with advocacy groups criticized these proposed changes stating it could unfairly target low-income individuals unable to pay such deposits upfront-potentially increasing those sent into already overcrowded jails.

WATCH | Ontario announces plans for tougher bail for repeat offenders:

Ontario announces plans for tougher legislation addressing repeat offenders on bailThe provincial government has declared intentions to introduce stricter laws aimed at repeat offenders following rising concerns regarding extensive criminal records leading to quick releases on bail. The new strategy aims at reinforcing compliance with existing bail requirements while enhancing deterrence.

Jail violence seen as a ‘powder keg’: lawyer

Natasha Beitman , senior associate at Templeman LLP specializing in criminal law , described violence within jails as a “multifaceted problem.”

She pointed out worsening conditions across all facilities noting many clients struggle without resources like showers , phone access , or medication , which raises stress levels significantly.

“I would feel anxious and horrible and gross if I didn’t get my shower ; [and] not being able talk with my kids or wife or mom … would frustrate me , scare me , make me uncomfortable,” Beitman explained.

“Violence has surged generally because tensions have increased overall. It’s like a powder keg situation ; people expecting no violent reactions under such conditions are delusional.”

These harsh environments also affect correctional officers who may take leave or resign due solely because of difficult working situations they face , Beitman remarked.

More staff needed say union representatives

Cygler emphasized immediate hiring efforts can relieve current strain caused by growing inmate populations allowing better access toward essential services such as healthcare meals support programs etc.

“Consistent investment is crucial if we aim towards maintaining an effective correction system throughout all parts Of Ontario ” he concluded.

Violence inside prisons remains “unacceptable” declared Saddam Khussain spokesperson representing Ministry Of Solicitor General.

“The ministry enforces strict policies against any assaults threats made toward employees; police will always be contacted immediately when necessary ;” Khussain assured stating measures apply against those exhibiting violent behavior resulting misconduct penalties involved too.

When questioned regarding lackof sufficient personnel he affirmed over3300correctionofficerswere assigned throughoutjailssystem since2020while recruitment remains ongoing still today too !

Beitman argued changing Ontarios current corrections framework requires society recognizing inherent rights entitled even among prisoners considering diversity present throughout entire system itself already instead!

“At present I’m representing clients rangingfrom petty crimeslike mischief upto serious offenseslike aggravatedassault.” she said confidently about her workload nowdays.

“Nobody claims prison should resemble summer camps – but it’s fundamental providing humane treatment standards necessary ensuring everyone receives rightful respect during confinement periods alike!” she stressed emphasizing significance understanding & protecting human rights appropriately involved matters altogether too!

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