(continued)

Response to Carol Mitchell's Form Letter regarding the Closures of the Owen Sound and Walkerton Jails

Letter

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Dear Honourable Carol Mitchell,

 

While I am happy to see that you have responded to my concerns I am disheartened to see that it was in the form of a 'form letter' almost identical to what Minister Bradley has submitted to the local media.  Changing a few location names does not disguise this. 

 

First off you state that the government is:

  • "Decommissioning inefficient correctional centres and moving inmates to more modern facilities is a means of providing better value for Ontario taxpayers". 

Is it or is it not true that in fact the three institutions that are scheduled to close were over their budget by a combined $119 812 of a total $25.2 million Ministry wide.  Is this what you call inefficient???

 

Is it not also true that your government requested that the jails submit capital projects that they would like to see done to their jails and now these projects are being used against them by saying that for instance the Walkerton jail requires $800 000 in work yet in reality it would be far less if only the required work was completed?

 

You state:

  •  "It’s important to note that consolidation of the provincial correctional system has been going on for many years. For example, since 1998, 20 jails across the province have been decommissioned and the inmates moved to larger, more modern and economical facilities". 

Comparing the Liberals to a Mike Harris lead Conservative party is a scary proposition. Yes, it is true jails have been closing but, unlike these closures, there is no larger facility in the area that these prisoners and the correctional officers can go to.  When you close a jail in St. Catherines and the employees and inmates have to travel 15 minutes down the road to the Niagara Detention Center, it tends to be less of a deal then say closing Owen Sound and Walkerton and the inmates and officers must go to Penetanguishene 2.5 hours a way, and that's on a beautiful sunny day.  Apple to Oranges.

 

Next you state: 

  • "Mention has been made about the costs to the police force and municipality of transporting inmates from CNCC in Penetanguishene to the court and back. Unless the local police service wishes to continue providing this service, it will be taken over by the Ontario Provincial Police at no cost to the municipality".

At no cost to the municipality maybe but, definitely, at a cost to the Ontario tax payer.  The O.P.P officers who staff the prisoners transport unit do not work for free and this move will require more officers, more vehicles and definitely an increased number of kilometers travelled by these units.  At what cost??? The environment???  The Fuel??? The repairs on vehicles???  Hardly at no cost!!!

 

Again you state:

  • "Correctional staff concerned about their future should know that every employee of the Walkerton Jail will be offered a job in the provincial correctional system. We will work with the union and staff to ensure a smooth transition".

Very comforting knowing that the option available to the staff is - their families or their jobs.  A commute to Penetanguishene from the area for their shifts is not possible, especially not in winter.  So I guess the staff should ask their loved ones to quit their jobs so they can move to be closer???

 

It is absolutely laughable that you have been quoted as saying it may be a great tourist opportunity for Walkerton if the jails close.  You have got to be kidding.  A tourist opportunity???  That should surely replace the lost revenue of - the county receiving lease payments for the building, the staff spending money in the communities and the loss of jobs.

 

Its a shame that you can't put the same effort into this issue as you do farming issues.  I am disappointed in your inaction and your ability to actually speak out for your non-farming constituents. 

 

This is a mistake that was announced by your government to try and fix a deficit that it created.  I look forward to the next provincial election when we can elect an MPP who will speak out for their constituents and elect a government that can actually run this province.

 

I look forward to a response to these issues.

 

Thank you for your time.

 

Shaun Brandon

 

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Monday, April 18, 2011