FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2003
Ministry remains silent on future of Mimico Correctional Centre
TORONTO - After nearly seven years of indecision, the Ministry of Public Safety and Security continues to remain silent on their intentions to close the Mimico Correctional Centre.
Yesterday, the union local representing the employees at the jail invited Liberal Corrections Critic David Levac to attend a scheduled meeting with the employer so that he could hear first-hand the frustration level of the employees. After contacting senior officials at Queen's Park, management at the institution
refused to allow Levac to attend the meeting.
"We have a lot of questions regarding public safety and the impact of the impending community based intermittent program," said Barry Roy, president of OPSEU Local 521. "The employees are looking to create a safer workplace and a more secure setting for the offenders of this province. Sadly, the government has again
stated through their actions that they are not interested."
Meanwhile, staff at the Horner Avenue facility are growing weary at the delays.
"The present government continues to amaze me with their blatant arrogance towards the correctional workers of Ontario," said Roy. "Our members have waited approximately seven years for the employer to take a clear direction on the closure of this facility. The Ministry refuses to come clean on our fates, and they
refuse to allow an MPP to hear for himself what is going on. What is the government trying to hide?"
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For more information:
Barry Roy (416) 434-7372
Terri Pyper (416) 997-0368
