Six inmates who were mistakenly released from jails in Ontario are still missing, according to Premier Doug Ford. The province has faced criticism over the improper release of more than 150 inmates since 2021, leading to a scandal that has plagued Ontario in recent days. Ford expressed his discontent, stating, “It’s unacceptable, no excuses. All the way through the ministry, we have to tighten it up.” He assured that efforts would be made to recapture every inmate who is currently on the run.
Despite the ongoing situation, Ford has voiced his support for Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, who oversees the provincial jail system. Ford commended Kerzner for his work on the province’s jail expansion plans and emphasized the need to prevent such incidents from occurring again.
Recent documents have revealed that several inmates remained unaccounted for months after being released improperly. Kerzner and his deputy apologized for providing inaccurate information regarding the immediate recapture of the released inmates. The revelation came after a freedom-of-information request disclosed that 157 inmates had been improperly released between 2021 and September 2025.
Interim Liberal leader John Fraser has persistently questioned Kerzner about the number of inmates still at large, with Kerzner declining to provide specific answers. Fraser criticized Kerzner’s handling of the situation, suggesting that the solicitor general lacked understanding of the issue. New Democrat Leader Marit Stiles called for the resignation of Kerzner and the entire government over the mishandling of the inmate release scandal.