'Very stressful': Solicitor general responds to EMDC guards after bikers rally at jail

Ontario's solicitor general is planning a visit to the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre, and says she understands a recent rally that attracted outlaw bikers and families of deceased inmates to the front of the jail has been stressful for employees. 

Sylvia Jones wrote to the head of the union representing the jail guards Friday, the day after he called on the province for better protection, saying guards were being harassed by bikers. 

"I recognize that the current circumstances are very stressful for all staff working at EMDC and that this may extend in many cases to their families as well," Jones wrote in the letter to OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

Last Saturday, members of the Hells Angels and other biker clubs went to the jail after the funeral of 32-year-old Brandon "Bam Bam" Marchant. He is the 19th person to die after being in the jail since 2009.

Family members who have also lost loved ones at EMDC were also there, as were Indigenous dancers and healers. Some families put up crosses, which have since been removed.

The bikers spun their tires leaving still visible tire marks on the pavement in front of the facility and parked their bikes at the front door. Police presence was minimal with officers not intervening. 

Many of the people at the rally said they want to know why Marchant died, with some inmates saying they heard him screaming from his solitary cell as guards entered. 

London police are investigating, as is the Office of the Chief Coroner, Ontario's Ministry of the Solicitor General and the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).

"Deputy Solicitor General of Correctional Services, Karen Ellis, will attend EMDC to talk with staff and ensure that we are implementing all the necessary measures and supports to ensure their safety," Jones said. "I am also in the process of making plans to meet with staff at EMDC."

At a news conference organized by the union on Friday, Thomas said he was pleased with the minister's quick response and to her commitment to look more closely at the issues inside the jail and the events that unfolded at the rally.

"We observed 1,000 to 1,500 people on the property on Saturday. There was a motorcycle right up against the front door. And I mean, like I can only say that this is very alarming," Thomas said. 

He says guards continue to feel unsafe when they arrive at work saying cars have been damaged and employees were being spit at. He did not say by whom or if this occurred the day of the rally or since then.  

"There's a line that they can't be cross, damaging our cars, spitting at us threats and insults. And, you know, the threats over social media, it's very alarming. And that's why we're advocating for this to end."

Thomas confirmed no guard has been suspended as a result of Marchant's death. He also blamed the media for falsely reporting facts.

Thomas has not made himself available for comment until Friday, with no calls or messages returned to CBC News in the days following Marchant's death on July 6 or after the rally. 

"I didn't respond because I didn't have all the facts. And I want to go based on fact, not fiction or not somebody's version of it," Thompson said.