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More than 60 inmates at the Regina Correctional Centre launched a hunger strike over the quality of the food they’re being served.
The Ministry of Justice describes it as a tray refusal that started with 62 inmates and is now at 34 as of Monday morning.
The strike began Saturday morning over brunch after uncooked eggs were reportedly given to the prisoners.
Concerns about the food have been raised by inmates over the past month, and a petition with a list of demands was submitted to prison management on Nov. 18.
Food services at the jail were switched to a private company, Compass Group, last month.
Drew Wilby, a justice ministry spokesman, says officials are looking into the matter.
“We are about six weeks into that (new contract) now and we expected some challenges of course, with any transition like that there will be some challenges.” Wilby explained by telephone. “We have addressed some of those concerns with Compass Group and continue to do so and we’re confident that we will be able to find a solution and make sure those high quality meals are being provided across the province.”
Wilby added they are also monitoring the situation to the ensure the safety of the staff and inmates is maintained.
The Saskatchewan NDP issued a statement on Sunday, accusing the SaskParty government of “risking public safety in order to pursue privatization”.
“Saskatchewan families also don’t want to see a flood of inmates needing medical care as a result of spoiled or raw food,” the statement from NDP central services critic Warren McCall continued.
A call has also been made to Saskatchewan Government Employees Union who previously provided those meals.
