'He had a strong voice': Sask. prisoner advocate Cory Cardinal dead at 38
Well-known prisoner advocate Cory Cardinal has died at the age of 38.
Cardinal was known to fight for prisoners' rights and for exposing prison conditions in the province.
He had made his presence even more known during the COVID-19 pandemic by flagging overcrowding and fighting for those who had a compromised immune system.
Cardinal ran a group called Inmates for Humane Conditions that helps connect inmates with resources.
His death was confirmed by a colleague. The cause of his death is suspected to be an overdose with no foul play.
Sherri Maier, founder of Beyond Prison Walls Canada, says it was a "shock" when she heard the news.
"He was really influential in doing things, getting those Skype visits for inmates, especially in Saskatoon," she told CTV News.
In February, Cardinal went on a hunger strike to support women in the Pine Grove Correctional Centre in Prince Albert.
Maier says he went on six or seven hunger strikes and even went 21 days for one of them.
She says he'll be remembered for his advocacy, his poetry and having a strong voice for prisoners' rights.
"I always say the more people that stand together the stronger that we become. But I mean him alone, just himself, is influential," Maier adds.
"You look at any of his poetry and stuff he is published in a lot of places and i think that's what he will be remembered by. It's a huge loss for all the advocates."
An investigation into his death is underway, according to Maier.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.