David Loukidelis appointed to inspect the Whitehorse Correctional Centre
Press Release
November 22, 2017
Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee has appointed David Loukidelis, Queen’s Counsel, to inspect the Whitehorse Correctional Centre (WCC). He will begin the inspection in early January 2018, guided by terms of reference provided by the Minister of Justice.
Mr. Loukidelis is independent of the Government of Yukon and will have full access to examine any thing or any record at the WCC, apart from inmate medical records, as he undertakes his inspection. Mr. Loukidelis will also have authority to conduct interviews of WCC employees and seek input from First Nation governments, community members and other stakeholders to give further context to the issues or questions that arise from the inspection.
Regular reports will be provided to the deputy minister of Justice, with a final inspection report to be handed in to the government by March 29, 2018. The department will release the final report and its response to the public by June 29, 2018.
Quotes
“This is the first time section 36 of the Corrections Act has ever been invoked in Yukon, and it will allow us to identify areas where we can improve the delivery of service and programs at the Whitehorse Correctional Centre to better serve inmates who suffer from mental health problems. Mr. Loukidelis brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role and I am confident he will provide an impartial report that will enhance the administration of justice in the territory.”
–Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee
“I am very pleased to accept the task of inspecting the Whitehorse Correctional Centre. It’s important for Yukon citizens to have confidence in the WCC’s operations and hope my work will contribute meaningfully to public confidence. I look forward to consulting with First Nations citizens and others as my work moves ahead.”
–David Loukidelis, Queen’s Counsel
Quick facts
- Section 36 of the Yukon Corrections Act, 2009 specifically allows for an inspection such as the one that Mr. Loukidelis will be conducting.
- The Whitehorse Correctional Centre has a responsibility to keep every inmate under its care safe, and to ensure the safety and security of Correctional Officers and others who work at the facility.
- Minister McPhee called for an inspection at the Whitehorse Correctional Centre in September of 2017 to review policies and practices that may have an impact upon the mental health of inmates, including those related to placement, treatment and available programs.
- Mr. Loukidelis has nearly two decades of experience in expert, high-quality legal and advisory services to governments at all levels across Canada and across the full range of their activities. He is a member of the bar of British Columbia, where he is Queen’s Counsel, and a member of the Alberta Law Society.
- The report and department’s response will be released to the public within 90 days of receipt of the report from Mr. Loukidelis.
Learn more:
Terms of reference for the inspection from Minister McPhee
David Loukidelis Biography
Contact:
Sunny Patch
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7478
sunny.patch@gov.yk.ca
Dan Cable
Communications, Justice
867-667-3508
Dan.Cable@gov.yk.ca
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