Federal Court finds excessive heat at Edmonton women's prison

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On July 16, 2026 the Federal Court released reasons and judgment in an application by the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies on behalf of incarcerated people challenging conditions in the Secure Unit and Structured Intervention Unit at the Edmonton Institution for Women. The application was heard on June 11, 2025 before the Honourable Madam Justice Conroy. The court accepted CAEFS' evidentiary record and found the heat in those units to be excessive and potentially unsafe and unhealthy, noting that the Correctional Service of Canada had been aware of the issue since at least 2012, which may prompt remedial or oversight actions.

Court found excessive, potentially unsafe heat in Secure and SIU.