BRAMPTON – Staff working in
Ontario’s newest facility for young offenders warn that
immediate steps need to be taken to address escalating problems
at Roy McMurtry Youth Centre, says the Ontario Public Service
Employees Union.
Ongoing staff shortages and
lack of security provisions at the youth “superjail” have
resulted in an alarming rise in youth on youth assaults and
incidents of youths threatening/assaulting staff. This is
unnecessary and unacceptable, says Bruce England, President of
Local 290 at the facility.
“Not only are we
understaffed, officers are off injured, or off on stress leave
because of the intolerable conditions here,” England said. “We
need better security and proper training to deal with youths who
can be extremely violent.”
While the Ministry of
Children and Youth Services are beginning to assess the problems
at Roy McMurtry, OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas urges
officials to get problems addressed quickly before more of his
members are injured.
“The problems at McMurtry
must be dealt with quickly,” Thomas said. “While we support the
Ministry’s vision of rehabilitating these youths, it must be
done with proper staffing in an environment that is as safe as
possible for everyone. Failing that, it is only a matter of time
before a tragedy occurs in this jail…a tragedy that is
completely avoidable.”
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