FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 1, 2000

MEDIA ADVISORY
Closure of Ontario's only institution for women "a huge mistake"

BRAMPTON - Provincial correctional staff at the Vanier Centre for Women say that the closure of Ontario's only provincial institution for women is a recipe for disaster. The Harris government plans to move the sentenced female offenders to the expanded Maplehurst Complex in Milton, which will also house male adult offenders.

To highlight their concerns, correctional officers and support staff will be holding an information picket and press conference outside the facility.

Date: Friday, June 2, 2000
Time: 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Place: Vanier Centre for Women 205 McLaughlin Rd. S.,
BRAMPTON

"Housing female inmates in the same institution as male inmates is a huge mistake," said Barry Scanlon, Chair of OPSEU's provincial Corrections Employee Relations Committee. "The federal system based their new Grand Valley facility after the Vanier model to enhance treatment and rehabilitation for female offenders. The Corrections Ministry is taking a giant step backward."

The closure of the Vanier site is part of the Ministry's scheme to downsize and privatize jails across the province.

Guest speakers at the event include Barry Scanlon and Peter Kormos, NDP MPP and Corrections Critic.

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For more information: 

Don Ford (416) 443-8888 ext. 442
Constance Sparkes (905) 796-9464