Jail guards in Ontario are seeking additional support following a coroner’s report that highlighted a suicide crisis among correctional staff and made over 20 recommendations to the provincial government.
The report from the Office of the Chief Coroner indicates that 34 correctional workers have taken their own lives in the last 15 years, titled In the Light of Day.
Authored by Dr. Reuven Jhirad, Ontario’s deputy chief coroner, and Rose Jumarang, senior divisional coordinator, the report includes insights from more than 90 individuals and offers 28 suggestions for improving worker health in provincial and federal facilities.
According to the findings, suicides among Ontario correctional staff have surged recently. Half of these tragic deaths occurred between 2010 and 2019, while the other half happened between 2020 and 2024, effectively doubling the rate.
“We have an emergency happening among correctional workers and we need the resources in place to actually address this emergency,” said Chad Oldfield, chair of OPSEU’s corrections division.
The union pointed out that correctional workers currently have access to only $2,500 per year for mental health treatment. This amounts to roughly 15 to 20 sessions annually with a professional – which Oldfield argues is inadequate during times of crisis.
They are requesting support comparable to what members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) receive, which includes unlimited outpatient and inpatient mental health services.
“What we hear is that it’s frustrating because they see across the aisle that OPP members-who are funded similarly-have unlimited mental health benefits,” Oldfield stated. “They can easily get help without worrying about costs.”
The financial burden of accessing mental health care is often too much for correctional workers, he added.
One suggestion from the coroner’s report is to enhance mental health coverage.
WATCH | Overcrowding issues in Ontario jails:
Investigation finds Ontario jails overcrowded with big increase in women prisoners
A data investigation by The revealed a significant rise-38 percent-in women inmates since 2019. This year has seen record overcrowding levels amid discussions on bail reform.
A representative from the Ministry of the Solicitor General noted that steps have already been taken to improve mental health awareness, such as training programs and support systems for both correctional employees and their families.
The province is committing up to $45.2 million towards its Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel program aimed at providing assistance to those working within public safety roles including correctional staff, police officers, firefighters, and others in related fields, Saddam Khussain mentioned via email.
He also indicated that since implementing an employee wellness strategy alongside OPSEU in 2019, several initiatives have been established for correctional personnel-including mandatory suicide prevention training; a peer support program specifically for corrections; and a therapy hotline available around-the-clock which was launched last month. Mandatory trauma resilience training will also be introduced this year according to him.
Khussain confirmed that they are reviewing both the report’s content as well as its recommendations before responding formally to the chief coroner’s office. “Our thoughts are with those affected by these tragic losses,” he expressed.
“We recognize how unique working conditions within corrections can be. Employees face situations regularly that can significantly affect their mental well-being.”
Research highlights just how devastating one suicide can be; Jhirad mentions an average of around 135 people are directly impacted by each death by suicide.”In conversation,the deputy chief coroner emphasized recognition as his primary recommendation-acknowledging how challenging environments create unique pressures on officers who belong firmly within public safety sectors.”He elaborated further stating how often correctional staff find themselves overshadowed when compared against police or fire services leading sometimes not being acknowledged appropriately presents different challenges overall.![]()
The coroner’s investigation produced over two dozen proposals after uncovering severe crises affecting these dedicated professionals throughout Ontarios’ prison systems.(Michael Charles Cole/CBC)
Several practical suggestions were included in this document , like providing thorough trainings meant expressly designed toward fostering resilience skills.
Additional recommendations encompassed enhanced teams focused solely upon promoting psychological well-being alongside improved access points towards peers understanding job-specific demands. Moreover informing both governmental agencies concerned parties involved remains critical moving forward & ensuring public awareness surrounding relevant topics surrounding inmate incarceration processes mustn’t go overlooked either!
Confronting stigma attached directly onto challenges associated chiefly experienced amongst those working closely involved remains necessary too – “There isn’t any crying allowed here” became prevalent sayings echoed throughout various interviews conducted during research phase referenced many times indeed!
Findings highlighted concerningly elevated rates relating back towards major depressive disorders PTSD anxieties substance abuse issues & suicidal thoughts comparatively standing higher than averages found existing populations recorded elsewhere respectively per review metrics provided.
Document outlined workplace cultures characterized largely marked through stigmas mistrust emotional suppressions toxic masculinity hindering requests coming forth soliciting assistance accordingly whilst simultaneously disallowing expression thereof openly amongst coworkers fellow associations preventing opportunities necessary moving ahead positively gaining required supports available implementing methods addressing obstacles successfully confronting reality faced daily.
Issues Arising Due To Jail Overcrowding Affect Staff As Well According To Report
Examination limited itself purely focusing upon thirty-four confirmations related strictly regarding self-inflicted fatalities however Jhirad believes numbers could indeed surpass already established metrics reported earlier. The majority confirmed instances included predominantly male victims averaging fifty years old on average indicating generational patterns observed previously recorded similar cases occurring frequently over time spans collected thus far according information gathered through established channels available previously documented accuracies obtained therein determined outputs derived accordingly would reflect realistic circumstances reported accurately instead!
Additionally chronic overcrowding evident across numerous institutions throughout province ultimately places heavier burdens downwards onto respective staffing levels negatively impacting morale performance increases likelihood potentially exacerbating difficult situations encountered daily basis reflective environment cultivated otherwise structured operationally.. Data retrieved The Canadian Press employing freedom-of-information laws illustrated alarming realities present; average occupancy rates fluctuated hitting around113 percent capacities tracked calendar year past couple years alone suggesting significant strains developing prominently reflected projected worries felt organizations operating under such strenuous conditions imposed overall creating dangerous circumstances escalating violence occurring periodically witnessed rising tensions levels increasing greatly lately perhaps attributed growing numbers continuously housed together despite limitations identified stemming inherently problematic nature alluded indicate troubling trends forecasted continue surfacing without swift actions taken rectify these matters quickly possible affordably safely managed environments exist concurrently where inmates kept safely separate non-violent offenders maintained properly transitioning smoothly enough along timelines required adequately ensured protections exist adequately catering individual needs involved thereby minimizing risks arising both sides attempt preserving dignity humanity intact maintains rule law paramount importance upheld diligently guiding every aspect operations carried therein day-to-day..
Deputy Chief Coroner Says Correctional Officers Are Neglected
Oldfield along with his colleagues at OPSEU noticed three suicides clustered together in 2023 which raised concerns prompting them to better understand ongoing issues faced on-site by corrections professionals. They reached out various governmental bodies ultimately finding support within coroners’ offices.Research highlights just how devastating one suicide can be; Jhirad mentions an average of around 135 people are directly impacted by each death by suicide.”In conversation,the deputy chief coroner emphasized recognition as his primary recommendation-acknowledging how challenging environments create unique pressures on officers who belong firmly within public safety sectors.”He elaborated further stating how often correctional staff find themselves overshadowed when compared against police or fire services leading sometimes not being acknowledged appropriately presents different challenges overall.
