REGINA – The issue of food quality has come up several times at the Regina Correctional Centre since Compass Group was hired to take over food services.
While investigating the concerns, Global News spoke to an inmate who alleged there have been other issues involving Compass staff.
They include bringing illegal substances in to the facility and inappropriate sexual contact with an inmate.
In response to the allegations, Ministry of Justice spokesperson Drew Wilby confirmed that security concerns had been raised with the ministry.
“Upon that, we immediately took the concern to Compass. We also began our own review of that concern,” Wilby said.
Wilby wouldn’t speak to the details, but acknowledged this isn’t necessarily a problem specific to Compass staff and that the ministry has dealt with similar incidents in the past.
“A few years ago in Regina, an individual who was a former Corrections worker was convicted of bringing contraband into a facility,” he added.
Wilby also responded to the allegation of inappropriate sexual contact.
“When this concern was raised, again not speaking to specifics around the concern or what it was, it was raised with the facility management at the Regina Correctional Centre, they addressed that with Compass Group, Compass Group took action and the Ministry was happy with the action that was taken.”
Global News reached out to Compass Group for comment, but received no response.
The ministry confirmed that the company has taken disciplinary action.
“That individual no longer has clearance to come into any of the correctional facilities in the province,” said Wilby.
The government can terminate the contract with Compass Group on one year’s notice for any reason, or 90 days notice if the company ‘delivers unacceptable performance’.
But the province says there are no plans to do so and will continue their relationship with the company.
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