A prison guard at the Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener has been suspended after he was accused of trading drugs to an inmate in exchange for sexual favours.

The Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies sounded the alarm three weeks ago after receiving a complaint.

National Director Kim Pate says she received a call about this complaint and then had the the warden of the Grand Valley Institution, and correctional investigations notified.

“It would be extremely rare, in fact, I don’t know of any situation in my experience of doing this work for nearly 30 years, where when you hear this kind of allegation something isn’t happening. I don’t pretend to know what is happening though,” said Pate. “I’m glad that corrections is following up. I’m advised that they are and that the correctional investigator is as well. Our hope is that there will be some broader efforts to try and ensure that these sorts of instance don’t occur.”

Malcolm Johannesen a spokesperson for Correctional Services Canada said, “Any inappropriate action would be dealt with appropriately … due to the privacy act, it would be inappropriate for Correctional Services Canada to comment on the specifics of any case.”

“There is an investigation, all allegations of this nature are investigated regardless of the source,” Johannesen said, adding that ensuring the safety and the security of the institution, staff, and inmates is, “the highest priority for Correctional Services Canada.”

The Grand Valley Institution for Women is currently facing controversy surrounding the Ashley Smith inquest. The 19-year-old inmate died after apparently choking herself to death in her cell in 2007.

Mike.McCulloch@rci.rogers.com