The Saskatchewan government is testing drinking water at the Pine Grove Correctional Centre after some inmates held a hunger strike.
The Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety said the hunger strike or “tray refusal” at the women’s jail in Prince Albert began to wind down just two days after it began on Aug. 2.
A spokesperson for the striking inmates, Faith Eagle, alleged some female inmates were getting sick after drinking the water, which she described as having an oily sheen.
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Some inmates on hunger strike inside Saskatchewan jail for women
The Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement said it was unaware of any water quality issues at Pine Grove but taking the concerns seriously.
“The ministry is actioning supplementary water testing as a precautionary measure to confirm the water quality,” it said in a statement. “The government’s priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of staff and inmates.”
Eagle said five inmates, including her daughter, were still refusing to eat.
“Pine Grove won’t dictate hunger strikes anymore,” Eagle said, “… the girls are standing up for themselves, taking back their rights and not letting or allowing Pine Grove to dictate to them.”
The Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety told APTN News five inmates refused their lunch and supper trays beginning Aug. 2.
It said all inmates accepted their trays the following two days, but one again refused her lunch and supper trays on Aug. 5.
“As of Aug. 6, all inmates have been accepting their trays.”
