In a significant legal victory, Lisa Adams, a woman who endured severe conditions in a Nova Scotia prison, has settled a civil lawsuit against the federal attorney general. Her lawsuit, filed nearly five years ago, stemmed from her 16 days of solitary confinement in a so-called “dry cell,” which lacks basic amenities like a toilet and running water. These cells are typically used to monitor inmates suspected of hiding contraband internally. Although the specifics of the settlement, including any financial compensation, remain undisclosed, Adams’ lawyer highlighted how her advocacy against the inhumane use of dry cells has led to crucial changes in correctional practices across Canada.
Initially, Adams was sent to prison after being wrongfully accused of concealing drugs inside her body. Her experience in the dry cell was marked by conditions described in her allegations as harsh and humiliating. In a related court case, a Nova Scotia Supreme Court justice ruled that her constitutional rights had been infringed upon, prompting calls for reform of discriminatory corrections laws affecting women. Justice John Keith’s decision highlighted the inadequacies in existing legal frameworks that failed to account for the unique circumstances surrounding women in custody, thus posing risks of unjust detainment.
Despite her legal victories, Adams was not compensated in the earlier challenge, which focused on a legal question rather than damages. In her 2020 civil suit statement, she recounted being transferred to the Nova Institution for Women in Truro due to alleged drug use at a residential facility. During her lengthy confinement, her mental health deteriorated significantly. The prison’s acting chief of health services even noted the potential for psychological decline under such conditions, a warning that went unheeded by the staff.
Adams’ mental stability worsened, leading to suicidal thoughts, which were exacerbated by neglect of medical observations by prison personnel. After several days in the dry cell, attempts to perform medical evaluations to check for contraband were hindered by Adams’ declining mental condition. Eventually, a pelvic exam found no foreign objects, yet she remained confined for an additional two days, illustrating a troubling disregard for her health and well-being.
The lawsuit alleged negligence on the part of Correctional Service Canada, emphasizing a failure to provide basic care and to prevent excessive and cruel punishments. While the attorney general’s defense cited evidence of methamphetamine ingestion and claimed Adams had access to legal and medical support, they also expressed regret about her treatment. This acknowledgment points to a broader issue within the corrections system, where the balance between security and humane treatment is often compromised.
In response to this case and public advocacy, the federal government has taken steps to transform policies regarding the use of dry cells. Announcements made in April 2022 included a ban on their use for inmates suspected of carrying contraband in their bodies. Subsequent regulations introduced in October 2024 aimed to limit detention periods in dry cells and improve monitoring methods. As noted by Adams’ lawyer, the ramifications of her struggle have far-reaching implications, advocating for the rights of women and ensuring that their dignity is upheld within the correctional system in Canada, marking a significant shift in policy and practice.
