After recent video footage was released showing an individual being released from custody into Edmonton’s Chinatown, the mayor says the city is working with the province to find solutions. “The reality is that Edmonton has the country’s highest concentration of correctional facilities,” said Mayor Andrew Knack at a press conference Monday afternoon. He added that prisoner drop-offs have been an issue in Edmonton for over a decade, where individuals are released into the community without adequate supports or supervision. “The city has always been willing to work with correctional facilities, government partners, and community organizations to pursue a more coordinated approach to discharge and reintegration practices,” said Knack. “We are doing our part to address the systemic issues that many inmates struggle with when they’re released, such as lack of access to affordable housing and community supports, but we are limited in what we can do.” Knack spoke with public safety minister Mike Ellis ahead of Monday’s press conference and said the minister is committed to finding a way forward. In 2022, two men were killed in Chinatown, allegedly by a man who was dropped off by RCMP in west Edmonton after being released from jail on unrelated charges under conditions that he stay out of Edmonton and live at a family friend’s home in Alberta Beach. Justin Bone is currently facing two second-degree murder charges. The case is still before the courts. “I remember a half-dozen ministers standing in front of the Chinatown community, saying they were committed to change, and I have seen nothing since then,” said Ward O-day’min Coun. Anne Stevenson. The councillor went on to say that individuals being released are at risk for relapse, overdose, homelessness and reoffending. “There are statistics that show those first few days are critical in terms of the pathway forward,” said Stevenson. “These programs exist. We’re not looking to reinvent anything new. We just want them to be properly funded and supported.” A statement from the Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services says correctional staff work with individuals before their release to identify and connect them with available services such as release support coordinators, therapeutic living units, addiction and recovery supports, and the Integrated Offender Management Strategy. “These initiatives are intended to help individuals access the supports they need while improving public safety for all Albertans,” said a statement from the ministry. “We recognize the important role Chinatown plays in Edmonton and will continue working with community partners while reviewing practices to ensure release procedures appropriately balance community concerns, operational requirements and the goal of connecting individuals with available supports.” The Hope Mission said it is aware of instances when recently released individuals arrive at Hope Mission for meals, shelter and other services, but they don’t have accurate data. “Precise numbers would help ensure appropriate supports are available while also supporting the safety of shelter guests, staff and the community,” said a statement to CTV News Edmonton. “Hope Mission is committed to working with our agency partners and corrections officials to ensure people transition to the right supports at the right time.” There are three federal and two provincial correctional institutions and remand centres in Edmonton. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Jeremy Thompson
