MHP Co-organizes Expert Panel Discussion: Preventing tragic deaths in our prison
- boudreaue0
- May 2
- 2 min read
On April 29, 2025, experts and advocates gathered at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) to attend an expert panel discussion on the Soleiman Faqiri Inquest, aimed at addressing the systemic barriers to mental health care in our prisons. The evening began with opening remarks from Dr. Treena Wilkie, a forensic psychiatrist and Chief of Forensic Psychiatry at CAMH, who emphasized the need to improve outcomes for individuals at the intersection of mental health and criminal justice and ultimately prevent tragedies like Soleiman’s.
The event featured a screening of the CBC documentary, My Brother, Soleiman, introduced by producer Eric Pedicelli. The documentary provided a poignant look at the tragic death of Soleiman while in custody, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change.
Following the screening, Norm Taylor, Editor in Chief at the Journal of Community Safety and Well-Being, moderated a solutions-focused panel discussion; the panel included:
Yusuf Faqiri: Family advocate and brother of Soleiman Faqiri
Clark Moss: Former Correctional Sergeant with 27 years of frontline experience
Andrea Monteiro: Former Director of Corrections, Yukon
Dr. Roland Jones: Clinical Head, Forensic Early Intervention Service, CAMH
Candace Vena: Director, Justice Policy, Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division
The discussion centered on the significant challenges faced by individuals with mental illness in the criminal justice system. Panelists shared their insights and strategies for implementing the coroner’s jury recommendations and how we can provide better support to this population. They also discussed the need for a comprehensive approach to address the significant challenges faced by incarcerated individuals as well as the need to invest in more community supports to prevent a person’s entry into the criminal justice system in the first place.
Following the expert panel discussion, there was an engaging audience Q&A session. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and share their perspectives, further enriching the dialogue and highlighting the community's commitment to keeping the conversation going. A collaborative effort between Three Valleys Media and Mental Health Partners, the event facilitated a deeper understanding of these challenges and promoted meaningful change.
