The head of corrections in Newfoundland and Labrador has stepped down from their position amid concerns of financial and administrative irregularities at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary. The provincial government has initiated an internal review of the financial and administrative procedures at the correctional facility in St. John’s, which is the largest in the province.
The Department of Justice and Public Safety disclosed that irregularities had been found at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary and emphasized the seriousness of the matter by taking prompt action. Dan Chafe, who has been the Superintendent of Prisons since 2020, overseeing multiple correctional facilities, is no longer in his role. Susan Green, the former provincial manager of institutional programs, has been appointed as the acting Superintendent of Prisons as of August 12.
The Department has involved the Office of the Comptroller General in the review process and anticipates the findings of the review. Additionally, the Office of the Auditor General has been informed about the situation. While potential fraud has been reported, it is yet to be determined whether a formal investigation will be conducted by the auditor general.
Chafe has not responded to requests for comments on the matter.