Recently, a whistleblower in Manitoba told the Canadian Taxpayers Federation that another inmate was released accidentally from custody.

After hearing the tidbit, I filed an information request to investigate. But I didn’t just file a Freedom of Information request in Manitoba, I thought I would see how the numbers look in Saskatchewan as well.

Fortunately for Saskatchewan taxpayers, the numbers seem to be improving. Here is a breakdown on the 21 accidentally released inmates over the last four and a bit years:

2010: 7
2011: 5
2012: 7
2013: 1
2014: 1 (so far) 

Here are a couple other observations with the numbers:

* Saskatchewan’s total of 21 is significantly lower than Manitoba’s total of 38 (Note: SK’s numbers are over a slightly shorter time frame due to using calendar years vs fiscal years)

* The drop from seven in 2012 to one in 2013 is a huge improvement

* The document notes the inmate accidentally released in March 2014 is still on the run

* One inmate was released on December 7, 2011 and wasn’t returned to custody until December 7, 2012 – a full year!

If you’re asking why the Canadian Taxpayers Federation cares about this matter it’s simple – it’s about accountability for our tax dollars. One of the main reasons why people pay taxes is for a justice system. If the system is making big mistakes and letting inmates out early, then that’s obviously a problem; not just in terms of performance, but possibly on a public safety level as well.

Thankfully, the numbers are heading in the right direction. Let's hope the big drop in 2013 is the beginning of a trend and not just an anomaly.

To view the data - click here.

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