Overview
- Michael Kerzner, who corrected the record Monday in the legislature, apologized “unreservedly” for saying inmates were re-arrested immediately after accidental releases.
- Government records obtained by Global News show more than 150 inmates were mistakenly freed over the past five years, with some remaining at large for months.
- The ministry says police are notified right away, registered victims are contacted, and incident reports go to senior officials, while local police decide whether to inform the public.
- Ontario Liberal interim leader John Fraser says he has no confidence in Kerzner and is calling for his removal over the handling and communication of the releases.
- Kerzner points to court and jail paperwork errors and proposes digital release forms, more correctional officers, and new facilities, while his office says such mistakes account for less than one percent of releases.