PRINCE ALBERT — The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) says the security officers involved in a widely condemned Dec. 11 incident at Prince Albert Victoria Hospital are no longer permitted to work at any SHA facility, following an internal review that found their actions failed to meet SHA’s standards.
In a statement released on Dec. 19, SHA said they are “committed to providing care that is safe, respectful, compassionate and culturally responsive,” including a clear obligation to oppose racism in all its forms, particularly Indigenous-specific racism.
SHA’s review was launched after a viral video posted to Facebook appeared to show contracted security guards removing a First Nations man from the hospital’s emergency department, placing him in a wheelchair, and pushing him outside as he screamed. A second video showed the man lying in the snow near the hospital, his body convulsing, on a night when temperatures dipped to -19°C with wind chills near –40°C.
The footage sparked immediate outrage from Indigenous leaders, including the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), which called the incident “inhumane” and “symptomatic of systemic racism” in Saskatchewan’s healthcare system.
“If that video had not been taken, chances are this man would have died due to the cold weather temperatures,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron. “We are talking about what appears to be a deliberate act that could have resulted in a death, and it’s another example that First Nation people, and their lives, are simply not valued equally in our healthcare system. This is not care; this is cruelty dressed in uniforms and policies. Racism kills. There are addictions in our communities; the way the security guards handled it was inhumane and cruel.”
Security officers removed from all SHA sites
SHA said that their review determined that the actions taken by the contracted security officers involved didn't meet SHA standards or align with their values and philosophy of care.
“We recognize [it] has raised significant concern, particularly for Indigenous individuals and communities."
SHA said the security officers involved are employed through a contracted security provider, and the SHA has confirmed with the provider that the officers involved are no longer permitted to work at Prince Albert Victoria Hospital or at any other SHA site or facility.
The SHA said they are working closely with their security provider to ensure adherence to SHA’s operational standards and philosophy of patient-centred care.
Following this incident, SHA said they met with the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) to listen and incorporate their perspectives into their response.
“SHA acknowledges the impact this incident has had on trust and safety for Indigenous patients and unequivocally condemns racism in all forms, including Indigenous specific racism,” read the statement. “To strengthen cultural safety and support, SHA will collaborate with PAGC to implement an Indigenous patient liaison within the emergency department at Prince Albert Victoria Hospital. SHA will also continue working with PAGC and other community partners to strengthen connections with community-based organizations to better support individuals whose needs may be more appropriately met outside of the hospital setting.”
Prince Albert Police Investigating
Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) confirmed they are investigating the video. According to police, officers were dispatched to the 2300 block of 10th Avenue West on Dec. 11 at approximately 10:50 p.m. after receiving a report of a disturbance.
When officers arrived, they found a man lying in the snow. Police said they made sure the man was medically assessed and treated. They are now reviewing the circumstances surrounding events shown in the video.
ljoy@sasktoday.ca
