Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has announced it is launching a feasibility study – including online and in-person consultations – to review its decision, under the former Conservative government, to close its agribusiness operations.
The consultation process is being held to assess the viability and effectiveness of restarting agriculture and agri-food employment initiatives for prisoners at the Collins Bay and Joyceville Institutions.
“Our government understands that an effective criminal justice system is built on evidence-based policies that promote public safety and the reintegration of offenders,” said The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. “That’s why we will be reviewing the cost and effectiveness of reinstating the prison farm program at Collins bay and Joyceville Institutions, and encouraging citizens, business leaders and other interested stakeholders to share their visions for what the program could look like.”
The CSC has developed an online forum – open from June 2 to August 2 – where stakeholders from government, business, and the community will be able to share their opinions on the matter.
The online forum is available to submit now on the Correctional Service of Canada website.
Along with the online forum, a town hall meeting (details TBA) will be held in Kingston for local residents, business leaders and other stakeholders to voice their perspectives.
Once the feasibility study is complete, the findings will be posted publicly.
Mark Gerretsen, MP for Kingston and the Islands, raised this issue in the House of Commons yesterday.
Video and transcript from the House of Commons:
Mark Gerretsen, Kingston and the Islands, ON
Mr. Speaker, in 2010, the Conservative government of the time closed several prison farms throughout the country, without doing proper consultation into the usefulness and viability of providing essential skills for inmates.
In my riding of Kingston and the Islands two prison farms were closed in Collins Bay and Joyceville, without proper consultation of the public and to widespread concern from the public.
My question is for the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. Can the minister provide some input into whether or not the government will continue along the same path, or reverse that decision of the previous government?
Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Mr. Speaker, the short answer is yes.
We are launching a feasibility study on restoring prison farms in the Kingston area. This process will allow citizens, business leaders, and other stakeholders to share their visions for what the program could look like. It will allow the government to review the costs and efficacy of reinstatement.
An effective criminal justice system is built on evidence-based policies that promote public safety and the reintegration of offenders. I thank the member for Kingston and the Islands for contributing to that goal.
Video: CPAC.ca via Mark Gerretsen on Youtube | Transcript: OpenParliament.ca
