Correctional Service of Canada

Allegations of Charter rights violations and mistreatment of inmates due to prolonged cell confinement during COVID-19 lockdowns at a Mission, British Columbia correctional facility.

The BC Court of Appeal has upheld the certification of a class action lawsuit against a Mission, British Columbia correctional facility. The lawsuit alleges that the Correctional Service of Canada breached inmates' Charter rights by confining them to their cells for extended periods during the COVID-19 pandemic. The court affirmed that the lawsuit meets the criteria for class certification, finding common issues among inmates who were incarcerated at the facility during the pandemic, including whether the Correctional Service of Canada owed a duty of care and breached that duty, and whether its actions violated inmates' Charter rights. Inmates reported severe conditions during the lockdowns, including deprivation of stimulus and self-harm. This case is one of several class actions across Canada alleging mistreatment of inmates.

• Inmates incarcerated at the Mission facility during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Exact eligibility will be confirmed once the claim process opens.