Justice
March 26, 2009

Revitalization and Reform: Investments for a Strengthened Corrections System

In response to Decades of Darkness: Moving Towards the Light, the independent review of adult corrections, the Williams Government will invest $6 million in Budget 2009 for the revitalization of the Newfoundland and Labrador corrections system, which brings the total investment in corrections to over $37 million. Initiatives include new positions to ensure properly staffed facilities, enhanced training and programming, along with renovations and equipment upgrades. This is in addition to over $1 million invested in 2008-09 since receipt of the report.

"Our corrections system is a critically important part of our justice system and we must support it with personnel, training, equipment and infrastructure," said the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Justice and Attorney General. "It is important that we provide the necessary support to our corrections staff as they conduct each day the difficult work they are called upon to do. As well, it is incumbent upon us to provide appropriate programming supports to those in our custody."

As part of an over $2 million investment in training, staffing initiatives and programming, Budget 2009 will add 15 correctional officer positions, including a minimum of six female designate positions, to enhance staffing levels at correctional facilities. A psychologist and addictions co-ordinator will be hired to work with inmates of both Her Majesty�s Penitentiary (HMP) and the Newfoundland and Labrador Correctional Centre for Women (NLCCW) and psychological services will now be available for all facilities. A permanent full-time fetal alcohol spectrum disorder project co-ordinator will be hired for the Labrador Correctional Centre (LCC) along with the services of an Aboriginal Liaison Officer for the NLCCW.

Due to the dynamic nature of their occupation, corrections staff must receive ongoing training and over $500,000 has been provided for this purpose. As well, an Aboriginal individual will be hired as an Aboriginal training officer to form part of the corrections training staff and aid in recruitment and retention. Funding has also been allocated toward engaging community partners in offering programs to employees and inmates. A new strategy on mental health will be implemented and female-centred programming will be offered. Numerous other programming initiatives will be implemented, including those which focus on addictions and drug awareness, education and testing for communicable diseases, life skills, and violence prevention and healthy relationships.

"As stated by the authors of the independent review we must direct more attention to rehabilitation of our inmates," said Minister Marshall. "While in many situations incarceration must take place, we cannot forget that these individuals often have serious issues which must be addressed. In the best interest of inmates and society as a whole it is our responsibility to ensure professional services are available to those in our custody. It must be kept in mind that the majority of inmates will once again become part of the community and we must help them make this adjustment."

As part of this government�s historic infrastructure investment package in Budget 2009, $1.8 million will be spent to ensure a safe and secure working and living environment and to improve the physical infrastructure of existing correctional facilities. Cameras and digital video recorders will be purchased for all facilities. Over $300,000 will be spent on security upgrades and the remediation of cells at HMP, along with $200,000 to meet the space requirements of enhanced programming. The LCC will receive $100,000 for renovations and $250,000 is provided to the Corner Brook Detention Centre. As well, the Bishop�s Falls Correctional Centre will receive more than $100,000 for improvements and the West Coast Correctional Centre will receive $230,000 for improvements to security and living areas. The NLCCW will receive over $100,000 for renovations to space used for medical and programming matters. In addition, $2 million has been allocated for the construction of a new pre-trial detention centre for youth and women in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

As well, beginning with the next course offered, the $5,000 training fee will be eliminated for correctional officers as a measure to enhance recruitment.

"We have taken a major step forward in revitalizing the corrections system of Newfoundland and Labrador with this budget," said Minister Marshall. "While work still remains, the Provincial Government has stepped forward with a significant investment to support the recommendations of Decades of Darkness: Moving Towards the Light and I look forward to continuing this process."

Budget 2009 investments in corrections are part of an over $230 million budget for the Department of Justice and include funding for new positions at Provincial Court, the completion of the Corner Brook Courthouse, pre-planning for new court facilities in St. John�s and support to the Human Rights Commission. As well funding has been provided for the purchase of equipment for the Inland Fish Enforcement Program, the redevelopment of the headquarters of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC), the purchase of living quarters for the RNC in western Labrador and support for the operations of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

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Media contact:

Ken Morrissey
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 685-6612
kenmorrissey@gov.nl.ca

2009 03 26                                                      2:15 p.m.
 


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