Ontario's jails are implementing lockdowns more frequently due to critical staff shortages, according to new data. Correctional officers report dangerous conditions stemming from severe overcrowding. In 2023, Ontario jails were locked down 1,275 times due to insufficient staffing. This figure surged by over 50% to 1,925 in 2024, and rose again to 2,082 last year.
Data obtained via freedom of information laws reveals that the majority of provincial correctional facilities operate significantly over their designed capacity. Violence within jails is also on the rise, with inmate-on-inmate assaults increasing from 2,880 in 2015 to 7,307 last year. Inmate-on-staff assaults climbed from 545 in 2017 to 1,249 last year.
Union representatives highlight that overcrowding and insufficient staffing create hazardous work environments, leading to increased violence and staff injuries. "We’ve seen an explosive increase in the number of violent incidents within correctional institutions in Ontario," stated Adam Cygler of the OPSEU. "A lot of that is we have the same physical space, and we’re cramming more people into it."
Despite Solicitor General Michael Kerzner initially questioning occupancy data, the government has added new beds and plans to use modular units to expand capacity. However, occupancy rates have jumped from 113% to 130% in the last two years. Some jails, like Sudbury Jail, are operating at 165.7% capacity, and the Milton-Vanier Centre for Women at 164%. These conditions are reportedly costing taxpayers millions in lawsuits related to dangerous confinement.