AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 14, 2026
Government Discloses Delayed Notification of Inmate Death
The New Brunswick government has acknowledged that it did not promptly notify the public about a recent inmate death at a provincial correctional facility. The incident, which involved a 50-year-old inmate, has prompted the Department of Justice and Public Safety to review its procedures for reporting deaths in custody.
Timeline of the Correctional Centre Death
Pierre Dartiguenave, 50, was found unresponsive in his cell at the Saint John Regional Correctional Centre on October 7, 2026. Despite staff efforts to resuscitate him and immediate calls for emergency services, Dartiguenave was placed on life support. He passed away in hospital on October 10, three days after the initial medical emergency.
Public Notification Policy and Delay
The Department of Justice and Public Safety has a policy requiring public notification within 12 hours of a death in custody. However, in this case, details about Dartiguenave’s passing were released four days after his death. Bruce Macfarlane, spokesperson for the New Brunswick government, stated that the department recognizes the delay and is taking the matter seriously.
Review of Reporting Procedures
According to Macfarlane, the department is undertaking a review of this incident to identify what caused the late reporting. He emphasized that steps will be taken to reduce the risk of similar delays in the future, aiming to improve adherence to notification policies for any death in custody or correctional centre incident.
Emergency Response and Support for the Inmate's Family
Upon finding Dartiguenave unresponsive, correctional staff initiated emergency protocols, attempting to resuscitate him and providing medical assistance as they waited for emergency services to arrive. Macfarlane confirmed that the inmate's family was notified following the event. However, the specific reason for the public reporting delay was not disclosed.
Ongoing Commitment to Justice and Public Safety
The death of Pierre Dartiguenave and the subsequent response by the Department of Justice and Public Safety has brought attention to procedures surrounding death in custody notifications and emergency response at New Brunswick correctional centres. The department has stated its commitment to improving transparency and compliance with its notification policy moving forward.
Source: halifax.citynews.ca.
