Government refuses prison watchdog’s request for another full term – Toronto Star

Ottawa is searching for a new prison ombudsman after refusing to extend the contract for the current Correctional Investigator for Canada beyond one year.

Howard Sapers, who has held the position for eleven years and been a vocal critic of the Harper government’s treatment of mentally ill and Aboriginal inmates, as well as the use of solitary confinement, was recently told he would remain on the job only until a replacement was found.

Sapers had told Public Safety Minister Stephen Blaney over a year ago that he would like to remain in his role for another term, which is typically three or four years. Canada’s prior ombudsman held the position for 25 years.