Nunavut’s only youth and women’s jail have merged management
Move to make facilities more efficient, Justice Department spokesperson says
Nunavut’s women’s and young offenders jails have merged management, as of April 1. (Photo by Arty Sarkisian)
This story was updated on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. ET.
On April 1, the Nunavut Women’s Correctional Centre and Isumaqsunngittukkuvik Young Offenders Facility, which are located next to each other on Sivumugiaq Street in Iqaluit, merged their staff.
“This will enhance staffing available to provide programming, counselling and case management,” said Stephen Shaddock, the territorial government’s director of policy and planning, in an email Monday.
The female and youth inmates continue to live separately, but they now share the same pool of employees, warden and deputy warden, he said.
In total the two facilities will have 24 employees.
“A distinct advantage will be the ability to deploy integrated staff to either unit where they are needed,” Shaddock said.
A low number of prisoners in both facilities over the past few years led to the decision. In 2024, the women’s jail admitted 31 clients, while the youth facility had seven, according to the corrections division’s 2024-25 report.
That’s compared to the 352 inmates admitted into the men’s jail, in Iqaluit, and the 50 admitted into Rankin Inlet’s jail, in 2024.
The merger will be particularly beneficial for the women’s facility, Shaddock said, as it will increase programming to “successfully prepare female clients for their eventual release.”
The change comes when the women’s facility has suffered from a programming “shortfall” in recent years, said Kim Cholette, Nunavut’s chief investigations officer.
Cholette’s job is to make sure that Nunavut’s jails obey the law and don’t infringe on inmates’ rights.
Last year, the women’s jail ran 10 programs, which included sewing, seal skinning and an alcoholics anonymous group. The men’s jail, meanwhile, had 37 programs.
Having two separate staff for such a small number of clients “is not an effective use of resources,” Cholette said, adding that the merger is unlikely to have a negative impact on the clients’ day-to-day lives.
“It’s more of a management decision,” she said.
Correction: This story was updated to correct a description of the facilities in relation to each other.
Only in today’s world could this women’s jail be considered to have a shortfall of programming.
10 programs for 31 female inmates = 1 program for every 3.1 inmates.
37 programs for 352 male inmates = 1 program for every 9.5 inmates.
You should see the list of ‘programs’. A lot of exaggerated, embellished and made up non sense. Surprised the investigations officer hasn’t figured that out yet.
The programming offered in the Iqaluit correctional facilities has often been overstated and does not always reflect the reality on the ground. While reports may suggest strong engagement and meaningful activities, the actual impact within the community appears limited. At the same time, the city continues to struggle with visible issues such as waste management, which presents an opportunity for more practical, community-based programming.
Have Clients demonstrate a more effective approach by involving clients in hands-on activities, such as working outdoors and contributing directly to the community. These efforts not only help improve the local environment but also teach valuable skills, responsibility, and a stronger sense of purpose. This type of programming can help individuals build resilience and create more stability in their lives. Let’s encourage the Jails. To have more programing with in the community we want to see our incarcerated work to help or community’s. to see them working in our community’s. and not just driving around in a white truck.
There is a concern that, at times, documentation and reporting may prioritize appearances over substance, giving an impression that the system is more effective than it truly is. Additionally, some members of management may feel constrained in their roles, leading to hesitation in addressing these gaps or advocating for meaningful change ( IT LOOKS GOOD ON PAPER)
A more honest and community-focused approach is needed—one that emphasizes practical engagement, accountability, and the incorporation of local knowledge, including the guidance of Elders. By focusing on real outcomes rather than perception, the system can better support both the individuals in custody and the broader community.
Great comment.
Of course reporting prioritizes appearances because that is all many managers care about. “Make it sound good for the ‘Leg’ !” [real quote]
Ideas like yours are good, but hard and take a team (and real vision, not just the BS they plaster on the wall) to implement.
From what I’ve seen many staff are tired and checked out, not motivated to do extra work as that is most often met with indifference and resistance instead of recognition and support.
Sorry, can’t blame the staff.
Starts at the top.
Clown show
Absolutely, not blaming staff at all. Read my comment again.
The problem is definitely mediocre management that is too comfortable and far more interested in maintaining petty kingdoms than taking risks and developing its staff, which it often feels threatened by.
Only makes sense, youth JAIL has no kids 99% of the time.