NDP calls for action following disturbing reports of strip searches at youth detention facility

QUEEN’S PARK — The Ontario NDP is calling on Doug Ford to immediately address disturbing reports of ongoing strip searches at the Roy McMurty Youth Centre: the province’s largest youth detention facility.

Provincial regulations around strip searches were tightened in 2023, but multiple accounts of systemic strip searches have emerged, including an instance of a teen being searched four times in less than 48 hours.

“Doug Ford’s crisis in our youth justice system is hurting youth in custody,” said Shadow Attorney General Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto Centre). “The rights of young people in custody continue to be violated and there is no end in sight. What will it take for this government to listen to youth, workers, and Ontarians calling for change?

“The Conservatives are ignoring the systemic causes driving why youth in the Ministry's custody are subjected to strip searches; youth justice facilities lack the resources, and funding to ensure that youth and workers are safe. The courts were clear that this practice should cease, except in rare or exceptional circumstances. Once again, court action is the result, and Ford has no plans to make Ontarians safer.”

“For years, New Democrats have sounded the alarm about the state of Ontario’s youth justice system,” said Shadow Solicitor General Jennie Stevens (St. Catharines). “Each time, the Premier has ignored our calls to address the chronic understaffing, and unsafe conditions that put both staff and youth in harm’s way.

“These deeply concerning reports are the direct result of the Conservatives’ lack of attention to Ontario’s youth justice system. Ford and Minister Parsa must ensure that the human rights of both youth and workers are strictly safeguarded. This can’t be ignored.”

“A child’s well-being should be the primary concern no matter where they are,” said Shadow Minister for Children, Community, and Social Services Lisa Gretzky (Windsor West). “It is unconscionable that the Ford government could hear these alarming reports and not act on them.

“The Premier and Minister Parsa need to make this a priority. Ontario’s youth justice system must be a safe environment for youth and workers. Anything less is pure neglect of an already-strained system.”