The provincial government is reissuing a promise for more resources and staff at provincial jails after five more suspected drug overdose incidents at the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre (EMDC) in London.
While the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services isn't releasing much information at this time, it has confirmed there were five incidents involving three inmates at the jail between Friday, August 24 and Sunday, August 26.
"Three inmates experienced medical distress at EMDC this weekend, with two of the inmates experiencing it twice," said Greg Flood, a spokesperson with the ministry, in a statement. "Given this matter is under investigation, it would be inappropriate to provide further comment."
These five incidents come just two weeks after a group of seven other inmates overdosed on suspected opiates at the EMDC on August 9.
When asked for comment on the incident, ministry Press Secretary Brett Weltman said, "public safety continues to be a primary concern" of the Ontario government.
"We are currently engaged in on-the-ground research and policy development to identify and address harmful gaps," he said in an emailed statement. "We will continue to consult with the men and women on the front lines to see where the challenges lie and how we can support them."
Exact details about the ministry's plans to improve conditions at provincial jail facilities, such as the EMDC, have not been released, but Weltman said they expect to unveil the ministry's proposed solutions and plan "in the months ahead."
The Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre has been thrust into the spotlight time and time again over concerns of overcrowding and understaffing.