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Justice
November 21, 2013

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice:

Planning for a New Penitentiary Moving Ahead

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss an important project for the province’s correctional system. On October 7, I had the great pleasure to announce that the Provincial Government is moving forward with the planning of a new penitentiary for Newfoundland and Labrador.

A new facility would replace Her Majesty’s Penitentiary in St. John’s, which is currently the province’s primary location for housing medium and maximum security male prisoners. With the recent closing of Kingston Penitentiary in Ontario, HMP has the dubious distinction of being the oldest prison in the country. First constructed in 1859, HMP has a capacity of 175 inmates, and though it has received extensive renovations over the years, it has outlived its usefulness as a correctional facility for Newfoundland and Labrador.

We have heard the concerns of stakeholders on a number of occasions with regards to challenges related to the facility, and we believe that the time has come to start planning for a replacement.

Mr. Speaker, we have been urging the Federal Government to contribute to the construction of a new penitentiary for Newfoundland and Labrador for a number of years. So far, they have been unwilling to participate in the project, and we can wait no longer to proceed as the safety and security of our inmates and staff is paramount.

A public Request for Proposals has been issued and the successful proponent will be asked to develop the functional space requirements as well as provide a cost estimate for the new penitentiary. After this phase of the planning is complete in 2014, the Provincial Government will consider the project budget and the proposed schedule of implementation.

The planning for a new penitentiary is a very exciting development for all those connected with our justice system, and most especially for those in the field of corrections. Not only would a new facility ensure a safe environment for staff and inmates, with this first important step, we will also have the ability to establish a design which provides opportunities for enhanced rehabilitation services for those incarcerated.

Mr. Speaker, the security and safety of all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador is of paramount importance to this government. By proceeding with the planning of a new penitentiary to replace HMP, we are taking a significant step in making our communities a safer place in which to live.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2013 11 21                                     1:55 p.m

 
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