Edmonton remand centre isn't safe, jail guards say

Alberta is trying to recruit 400 new guards to help staff a mega-jail being built for people who are charged with crimes and who are waiting for trial. (Alberta Solicitor General)

EDMONTON - Alberta jail guards say a massive new remand centre set to open in Edmonton isn't a safe workplace.

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees says it has found five pages of design flaws after touring the facility, which will eventually hold up to two-thousand inmates.

The union says it is also not satisfied with some of the new procedures that will be used at the remand centre, which will see guards work with inmates much more closely.

Union president Guy Smith has asked the province to delay the transfer of the first batch of 800 inmates from the old remand centre until changes are made.

Smith says the union has also filed a formal occupational health and safety complaint.

Alberta Justice says it is aware of the complaint and will work with the union to deal with safety concerns, but the inmate transfers will go ahead this month as scheduled.