On Friday, December 4, I had the privilege of attending the graduation of correctional officer recruits at the Canadian Forces Station St. John�s Drill Hall. This ceremony was afforded the pomp and circumstance appropriate for graduation of such a distinguished class.

Twenty-seven recruits graduated from an intensive 20-week training program which includes two weeks instruction, 14 weeks work placement, followed by an additional four weeks of instruction. This comprehensive program covers important topics such as mental health awareness, suicide prevention, substance abuse, use of force and arrest and control. The training regimen of our correctional officers now includes them as some of the best trained and prepared in the country.

We have taken a progressive step forward and hired correctional officers from regions of the province where correctional facilities are located and these officers will work at those facilities. It is also noteworthy that these 27 correctional officers join 25 officers trained and working in corrections since January 2009.

Mr. Speaker, this program is a direct result of the efforts put forth by our government to address the recommendations of Decades of Darkness: Moving Towards the Light, the independent review of adult corrections. Following a recommendation of the review, the current graduating class consists of one-third female officers. This initiative supplements our creation of an additional six female-designate correctional officer positions.

Our government has invested heavily in adult corrections, including an additional seven million dollars since receipt of the review. Budget 2009 increased funding to over $37 million. These new officers will be working in a much improved environment as 73 of the review�s 77 recommendations have either been implemented or are in progress. This can largely be attributed to improved leadership in corrections, and thus improved staff relations and morale. Evidence of this is the fact that this year, for the first time in 25 years, we signed the first collective agreement with correctional officers without resorting to arbitration.

Mr. Speaker, psychological services are now present at all facilities and an additional 1,600 square feet of space for programming, medical services and offices at Her Majesty�s Penitentiary have been added. A full-time psychologist and a second nurse are now present at this facility. We are also re-establishing the land-based program at the Labrador Correctional Centre and we have increased partnerships at HMP with stakeholder groups such as the Canadian Mental Health Association, Turnings and the John Howard Society. Similarly, Stella Burry Community Services is providing counseling and support to inmates at the Newfoundland and Labrador Correctional Centre for Women in Clarenville.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all members of the House of Assembly to join me in offering congratulations to the 27 new correctional officers who have joined the ranks of our corrections service and wish them well in a rewarding career.