We, the undersigned, call on Correctional Services Canada (CSC) and the appropriate federal oversight bodies to take immediate action to address the wrongful treatment of Indigenous prisoner Eli LaRue, who is currently supported by the UBC Innocence Project.

Background

Eli LaRue, an Indigenous man incarcerated at Abbotsford Pacific Institution’s Lalem Indigenous Healing Unit, spoke out against systemic racism occurring within the unit. With the support of his wife, Jenni LaRue, he raised these concerns publicly.

In retaliation, staff and management falsely accused Jenni LaRue of trafficking narcotics into the institution. As a result, Eli was transferred to Kent Institution, a maximum-security prison, where he was set up to be violently attacked and stabbed multiple times. He now suffers from PTSD and partial facial paralysis as a direct result of this institutional violence.

Eli challenged the transfer from Lalem Healing Unit to Kent through a habeas corpus application in court and won, resulting in his transfer to Mountain Institution (medium security). However, CSC has refused to restore his security points to their previous level, and he continues to be denied access to work, programming, and Services because of the false allegations that remain on his file.

CSC has refused to remove these false and defamatory allegations, despite the fact that some of the “bad character” reports and institutional charges were challenged and overturned. These records, rooted in retaliation, continue to harm Eli and his family.

On October 5, 2025, Eli could be among the last Indigenous prisoners eligible for the faint hope clause — a critical avenue that could reduce his parole ineligibility period. Yet his chances are severely undermined by the false, defamatory reports created by CSC.

This injustice does not only harm Eli. His wife and children continue to suffer from the consequences of these fabricated allegations, the trauma of his assault, and the stigma attached to CSC’s misconduct.

There is media coverage and ongoing legal disputes related to Eli’s case and CSC’s failure to act justly.

Our Request

We, the undersigned, demand that Correctional Services Canada and relevant federal oversight bodies:

 1 Immediately remove all false and defamatory allegations from Eli LaRue’s correctional file.

 2 Restore Eli’s security points and access to work and services, ensuring that his classification and treatment reflect the court’s habeas corpus ruling.

 3 Acknowledge the harms caused by the institutional retaliation and the violent assault at Kent Institution.

 4 Ensure a fair faint hope clause application process, free of retaliatory and unsubstantiated reports.

 5 Implement independent oversight in cases involving Indigenous prisoners to prevent further systemic racism, retaliation, and harm.

Closing Statement

Eli LaRue’s case reflects a broader pattern of systemic racism and institutional abuse within CSC. By signing this petition, we stand with Norman, Jenni, and their children in demanding justice, accountability, and fair treatment.

Together, we call on Canada to uphold human rights, protect Indigenous prisoners, and correct these wrongful actions.