FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 23, 2000

MEDIA ADVISORY

Prison privatization expert visits North Bay

Toronto – Internationally recognized prison privatization expert Stephen Nathan continues his speaking tour with a visit to North Bay today. Mr. Nathan spoke at a public forum on the privatization of Ontario’s correctional facilities in Penetanguishene on Monday evening, and visited Lindsay on Tuesday. Penetanguishene and Lindsay are two potential sites for private superjails.

Stephen Nathan is regarded as the international authority on privatized criminal justice. A journalist and researcher, he has been writing about privatization since 1981. Based in London, England, he is the editor of the influential newsletter Prison Privatisation Report International that has documented the growth of privatized correctional services.

His newsletter has closely followed the progress of and the many changes to the province of Ontario’s plans to privatize its superjails since they were announced in October 1996. "Eighteen months ago, the government said it would operate these facilities publicly because there were too many unanswered concerns about private jails," said Nathan. "Now the government wants to privatize them but it won’t reveal the basis for that decision. The people in Penetanguishene and Lindsay are correct is asking the government to explain its actions."

Mr. Nathan will be available to share his views on prison privatization at a news conference this afternoon.

Date: Wednesday, February 23, 2000
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Location: OPSEU Office, 579 Fraser Street
North Bay

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For further information: 

Bill Trbovich 416-448-7400/561-5613/793-0