We want to share an important update with you.

Despite our requests for Indigenous healing circles to address the harms caused to Eli LaRue, Jenni LaRue, and the community organizations supporting them, Correctional Service Canada (CSC) at Mountain Institution has declined this effort.

Instead of choosing dialogue and healing, CSC’s institutional head responded by threatening legal action against Mrs. LaRue for speaking publicly about the harms our family has experienced. Out of fear of retaliation, many of the posts we had previously shared have now been deleted.

We want our supporters to know: speaking out about injustices in public institutions is a protected right in Canada.

Under Section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, every individual has the right to freedom of expression, including the ability to speak openly about public servants and government institutions.

Public servants acting in their official capacity are not immune from public accountability. Courts in Canada have recognized that criticism of officials—especially where issues of human rights, discrimination, or systemic harm are raised—is a matter of public interest.

Naming public officials in this context is not defamation when it relates to truth, opinion, or matters of public accountability. In fact, Canadian law specifically recognizes “responsible communication on matters of public interest” (Supreme Court of Canada, Grant v. Torstar, 2009) as a defence to defamation claims.

We asked for reconciliation through culturally appropriate processes. What we received instead was intimidation.

Now, our family lives with real fear of further retaliation and harm for speaking the truth and advocating for justice.

We remain committed to justice, accountability, and healing for our family and for other marginalized families impacted by CSC’s practices. Your continued support helps us shine light on what too often happens behind closed doors.

Thank you for standing with us.

— Jenni & Eli LaRue