FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 2, 2000

Congratulations for standing up to the bully, Casselman says
Union president to visit Sault Ste. Marie

SAULT STE. MARIE - The president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union is congratulating Sault Ste. Marie City Council for standing up to the bullying tactics of Ontario Corrections Minister Rob Sampson.

Despite intense direct pressure from Sampson, the council met last night and opted not to rescind an earlier motion opposing private jails.

“It takes a lot of courage to stand up to threats and intimidation, and I congratulate the council for sticking to its guns,” Casselman said. “One thing I’ve learned in life, as a correctional officer and as a union activist, is that you can’t let bullies push you around. You have to stand up for what you believe.”

Over 60 Ontario municipal councils have passed resolutions opposing private jails. Several have received threatening letters from Sampson saying that, as a result of their actions, their communities would not be considered for further investment by the Corrections Ministry.

Leah Casselman will visit Sault Ste. Marie tomorrow to meet with union members. She will be available to reporters for comment.

Date: Wednesday, May 3, 2000
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Place: Sault Ste. Marie Jail, 145 McNabb Street, Sault Ste. Marie

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For further information: 

Scott Kennedy (705) 949-5706
James Clyke (705) 946-0995