The following deals with subjects that may cause distress. If you or someone close to you needs support, we encourage you to reach out. Resources are available at canada.ca/mental-health.
Anne Kelly, Commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), issued the following statement today on the findings of the National Joint Board of Investigation (BOI) into the statutory release and community supervision of federal offender Myles Sanderson:
"My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, the members of the James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN), and the residents of Weldon, Saskatchewan and surrounding communities. What these families and communities have gone through is unimaginable and we know that getting answers on how such a thing could happen is an important part of their healing process. Yesterday, Jennifer Oades, Chairperson of the Parole Board of Canada, and I met with leaders of the JSCN and individuals from Weldon to discuss the findings, recommendations, and next steps.
This was a challenging and complex investigation, and I want to thank the members of the Board of Investigation and its Independent Observer for their dedicated work. The BOI's examination of this case highlighted four recommendations to strengthen CSC's operations, which I have accepted. In response, CSC is committed to taking a series of actions, including:
- Reinforcing health guidelines and the process to refer offenders to CSC community health services. This will emphasize the importance of using external community-based health and emergency resources to respond to individuals with vulnerability for suicide.
- Reviewing its procedures for locating offenders who are unlawfully at large to identify any areas for improvement, including considering the reinstatement of the Community Corrections Liaison Officer (CCLO) program (dedicated police officers temporarily assigned to CSC to enhance information-sharing).
- Reviewing the contents of the current Intimate Partner Violence Training and integrate factors related to domestic violence into CSC's overall risk assessments.
- Reviewing the learning needs of CSC Psychologists and ensuring they administer the most recent psychological measures as they pertain to domestic violence.
CSC will engage in further discussions with relevant partners, including the James Smith Cree Nation, to finalize its action plan.
This tragedy has had a profound effect on many people and communities in Saskatchewan and across the country. Our correctional system is based on the rehabilitation of offenders while ensuring public safety by successfully and safely reintegrating them into our communities. I am confident that the findings of this BOI will further strengthen our policies, processes and enhance relationships with our partners for future cases. We are committed to taking every measure possible to further protect the communities we serve."
