FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 19, 2000

Union calls for halt to privatization of young offender centres in wake of ministry's failed attempt to find operators

TORONTO - No private sector operators have been able to meet the criteria for taking over two jails for young offenders now operated by the Ontario government, Ontario government sources say.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union today called on John Baird, Minister of Community and Social Services, to halt its plans to privatize the Syl Apps Centre, a secure custody facility in Oakville, and an open custody facility in Sault Ste. Marie.

"The Minister desperately wants to privatize these jails, but the fact that the private sector cannot come up with a decent proposal proves that nobody can do this work better than qualified provincial correctional staff," said Leah Casselman, OPSEU president, and a correctional officer at the Syl Apps Centre.

"In order to allow private sector operators to do it, the government will be forced to lower the standards of care and custody," said Casselman. "But that would only compromise public safety and could lead to higher recidivism rates."

The Syl Apps facility houses most of Ontario's highest-risk young offenders under 16 years of age. The Ministry issued tenders for operation of the facility last February, but a senior ministry official told the union that no bidder has been able to meet the criteria laid out in the tender.

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For Further Information:

Leah Casselman: 416-443-8888
Bob Eaton, Chair, OPSEU ComSoc Ministry Team: (613) 925-1383
Katie FitzRandolph: 416-561-5651