Tuesday, April 18, was a momentous occasion in the town of Penetanguishene. After four months of polite requests, firm requests and then demands from the town, Corrections Minister Rob Sampson finally showed up in Penetang to try to justify his privatization plans.

Try would be the operative word. Few citizens, if any, were buying what Sampson was trying to sell.

Over 400 people packed Brian Orser Hall in Penetang to tell the Minister that they wanted nothing to do with his private prisons. Was Sampson listening? Not judging by his responses. His canned remarks were simply one statement repeated over and over … that he was trying to raise standards and change the "culture" of corrections.

Sampson only allowed two hours for the meeting, and 20 minutes of that was taken up by his opening remarks. Once the questions started, however, Sampson could no longer rely on his speechwriters and had to wing it on his own. Which is not one of his strong points.

Sampson lasted for the first two questions before he began to lose his composure. He flatly refused to entertain the suggestion of a municipal referendum on private jails, and told the crowd that NAFTA would not apply if contracts were cancelled. Penetanguishene resident Gord Wilson, former president of the Ontario Federation of Labour, quickly straightened out Sampson on the NAFTA question. "You are categorically wrong," Wilson said. "I was around 10 years ago when NAFTA was introduced. I don’t remember you being there."

Also in the crowd were Liberal MPP David Levac, NDP MPP Peter Kormos and representatives from the John Howard and Elizabeth Fry Societies. Residents from Lindsay and Peterborough were also on hand, having chartered a bus for the two-hour trip.

Sampson got an angry response when he suggested that the union was not willing to discuss alternatives to privatization. Barry Scanlon corrected the minister about the talks, stating that OPSEU’s plans for efficiencies had fallen on deaf ears. Sampson then dug himself a major hole when he stated that a private company would have to pay normal property taxes instead of "pay in lieu" based on the number of beds. This change would bring an additional $160,000 to the town of Penetang.

Both the NDP and the Liberals promptly jumped on the property tax and referendum issues the next day during the legislative Question Period. Sampson stumbled with his replies when the NDP pointed out that referendums were being allowed for gambling, but not private superjails. Sampson was then caught flat-footed when the Liberals revealed that Camp Turnaround was not paying property tax. The question that was left unasked was this: Did Sampson change provincial tax policy, or did he lie to Penetanguishene?

About 40 OPSEU members were at the meeting Tuesday from far and wide, and despite Sampson’s fears, they behaved in the calm professional manner that is normal for our members. Thank you to all those who attended. And we cannot forget to acknowledge the 12-14 OPP officers who were there to "keep order." We are glad you got paid to do nothing but stand around and emphasize Sampson’s ridiculous security overreaction. Sorry Rob, maybe you aren’t as important as you thought.

It is all about respect.

Liberal MPP and corrections critic David Levac has issued an invitation to all correctional officers to come to Queen’s Park on Wednesday, April 26 to demand respect from our Minister. Rob Sampson has been telling anyone who will listen that corrections in Ontario is inefficient, unprofessional and in need of higher standards. Sampson has been able to determine this by relying on his vast experience in the correctional service field (eight months).

Officers are asked to show up in front of the legislature in full uniform (including sweaters and parkas) at 11 a.m. to be greeted by Mr. Levac. There will then be an address to the officers prior to breaking for lunch. Officers are then asked to proceed to the gallery for Question Period, which begins at 1:30 p.m.

This is not a demonstration. Correctional officers will be gathering for one simple reason: to ask for respect from our employer for the dangerous, stressful and demanding job that we do. One, we might add, that is done in an efficient, professional manner. We hope to see you there.

A roller coaster ride in the north and a change of heart in the east would best describe the passing of council resolutions this week.

The Townships of Neebing, Dorion, and Oliver-Paipoonge near Thunder Bay all passed the resolution in support of public jails. It should be pointed out that Neebing Township is the fourth largest municipality in Ontario, covering 775 square kilometers. Again, thanks go out to Local 737 president Len Mason (Thunder Bay Jail) for his mighty efforts.

Meanwhile, the city of Peterborough passed the resolution after initially defeating it weeks ago. The change in direction was due solely to the time-consuming efforts of Local 308 president Steve Clancy (Peterborough Jail) who contacted every councillor individually to get their vote.

On a down note, the city of Thunder Bay moved reconsideration on their earlier support after biting down on a $25 million dollar carrot offered by Rob Sampson. The council, who later admitted they may have acted too hastily, got swayed after the Minister alluded to a multimillion dollar correctional expansion in Thunder Bay. The council is now being criticized heavily in the press for selling out public safety. Members in the area vow to bring this issue back to council, hoping they see the light.

The Sarnia and District Labour Council and the Sarnia Lambton NDP Riding Association are sponsoring a commercialization and privatization forum on Wednesday, May 10 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Sarnia Holiday Inn. Guest speakers are: Frances Lankin, MPP Beaches; Earl Manners, president of the OSSTF; and MERC member Mark Kotanen. Admission is free but everyone is asked to bring a donation for the local food bank.