Sask. prison workers raise alarm over inmate fentanyl use: union

Prison employees have been dealing with fentanyl making its way into Saskatchewan’s correctional facilities.

Saskatchewan Government and General Employee’s Union (SGEU) President Bob Bymoen said that employees have raised the alarm about the issue.

“We’re setting up our own internal committee to review this and to see what recommendations they come up with to help work with corrections and our members to resolve some of these issues.”

Bymoen said a “minimal” number of employees have come in contact with the drug, but wouldn’t say exactly how many employees have been affected.

“They’ve had incidents where people and inmates are being exposed to it and staff are required to do searches of both people and the different cells and areas in the centres.”

He said the employees also need to respond to emergency situations if they arise.

Bymoen said the employees have received training and equipment from the Ministry of Justice but more is being requested.

“It’s such a new issue though, we want to work with (the ministry) to make sure that they are doing everything possible to keep people safe.”

SGEU represents about 2,000 workers in both youth and adult correctional facilities in Saskatchewan.