Union calls for reconsideration of Wellington immigration centre

GUELPH - The Ontario Public Service Employees Union has joined NDP and Liberal justice critics in the call for the Ontario government to reconsider their refusal to house immigration detainees at the former Wellington Detention Centre.

NDP Justice Critic Peter Kormos and Liberal Justice Critic David Levac have both issued statements today asking Public Safety and Security Minister Bob Runciman to take another look at the Guelph facility, located 45 minutes west of Toronto.

Runciman quashed plans last year to detain immigrants at Wellington when Tory MPP Brenda Elliot made statements that immigration detainees were “terrorist undesirables whom we don't want as neighbours.” Runciman now plans to house immigrants at the new Lindsay superjail, over one hour and half away from Toronto.

Paul Hughes, president of OPSEU Local 233 at the former Guelph Correction Centre, said that he believes that Runciman’s change of direction on the Wellington facility has more to do with bailing a colleague out of trouble than it does with common sense.

“The Wellington facility is closer, self-contained and perfect for this type of detention,” Hughes said. “The only person who doesn’t want immigrants held in this facility is Brenda Elliot. Guelph council is in favour of it, and so are the citizens. This is just a face-saving exercise for one of Runciman’s friends.”

Hughes also said that sources inside the federal immigration department have said that the Guelph location is far superior to Lindsay.

“They have said it is better for the immigrants and more economical for the government to hold detainees closer to the GTA,” Hughes said. “Here we have a situation that is win-win for the provincial and federal governments, as well as the citizens of Guelph. So why is Runciman refusing to change his mind?”

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For more information: Paul Hughes (519) 242-4611