A class-action lawsuit has been launched against the provincial government on behalf of those held in solitary confinement for periods longer than two weeks.

The lawsuit is being launched by Morris Martin Moore on behalf of two former inmates in the province’s correctional system.

Lawyer Jim Locke says the negative effects of prolonged periods of solitary confinement have been known to the government for years. Despite that, Locke says inmates continue to be subjected to prolonged periods of solitary confinement.

The class-action lawsuit claims negligence by government in ensuring the safety and well-being of inmates and putting its own interests ahead of vulnerable people under its care and control.

The lawsuit also claims that government’s use of prolonged solitary confinement is unconstitutional and violates basic human rights outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Lawyer Lynn Moore says there have been similar cases in other parts of Canada showing that prolonged periods of time in solitary confinement cause psychological harm.

As the entity that imprisons people, Moore says government has a duty of care and the responsibility to uphold a person’s Charter Rights which she says are being violated by prolonged periods of solitary confinement.