Manitoba government hit with proposed class-action lawsuit for use of solitary confinement [Video]

A proposed class-action lawsuit has been filed against the Manitoba government by a previous inmate for the use of solitary confinement, calling the practice “cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment.”

Lawyers at the Toronto law firm Koskie Minsky LLP filed the proposed class action on behalf of James Darren Audy in the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench on May 2, 2024.

The suit claims the use of solitary confinement can impact a prisoner’s physical and mental health after only a short time.

“Such damage is often irreversible and will have a substantial and lasting effect on that person’s life,” the suit reads.

The documents say Audy, 36, was in solidarity confinement for around four months while at the Winnipeg Remand Centre in 2023, and he has dealt with the practice on other occasions while at other facilities in the province.

“Solitary Confinement is systemically and grossly used without due process or …