Maplehurst Correctional Complex and Vanier Centre for Women in Milton
A conviction has been made in connection to a drug overdose that led to the death of a Maplehurst Correctional Complex inmate in Milton.
Back on May 7th, 2019, six inmates reportedly overdoses on illicit drugs. The overdose was caused by the consumption of fentanyl and carfentanil. Five of the six inmates survived, one died.
On June 30th, 2022, Justice Calsavara of the Ontario Court of Justice found 33-year-old Michael Fournier of Cambridge guilty of Manslaughter and Trafficking in Fentanyl/Carfentanil. Fournier was an inmate of the Maplehurst Correctional Complex at the time of the offence(s). Fournier is scheduled to be sentenced on July 14th.
In a release, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) says “the incident in 2019 and the preventable loss of life demonstrate the clear dangers of opioid use. The aforementioned conviction serves as a clear declaration that those who traffic in these illicit substances will be held responsible and prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.”
It adds:
“The number of suspected overdoses in our region, in the province, and across the country, continues to increase. Each of these overdoses is a preventable tragedy.”
If you use drugs, or have a friend or family member who uses drugs, these tips may help save a life in the event of an overdose:
Know the signs
An overdose is a medical emergency. Know the signs of an overdose and call 9-1-1 right away:
- difficulty walking, talking, or staying awake
- blue lips or nails
- very small pupils
- cold and clammy skin
- dizziness and confusion
- extreme drowsiness
- choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
- slow, weak, or no breathing
- inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at
Don’t run. Call 9-1-1.
Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) frontline officers, and other first responders in Halton, carry naloxone and we want to assist. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides broad legal protections for anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose. This means citizens, including youth, will not be charged for offences such as simple possession for calling 9-1-1 in an emergency.
Carry naloxone
Naloxone can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. It is available free-of-charge in Halton at:
- Halton Region Harm Reduction Services (Exchange Works)
- Halton Region Sexual Health clinics
- Most pharmacies
Never use alone
Don’t use drugs alone, and don’t let those around you use alone either. If you are using with someone else, don’t use at the same time. If an overdose occurs, having another person nearby can save your life.
If you must use alone, we encourage you to download the Brave App. The Brave App is designed to connect people at risk of overdose with help they need: an ally you can talk to, a human supporter to help you stay safe, and digital monitoring technology to help you when you’re in danger. The Brave App is not a substitute for calling 911.
