Justice and Public Safety
October 18, 2016
A Strong Justice System Province-wide
Minister Parsons Visits Justice Facilities, Seeks Information on Justice System in Central Newfoundland
The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, was in central Newfoundland today to visit a number of justice facilities in the area. Minister Parsons was joined by the Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Transportation and Works and MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor, and Jerry Dean, MHA for Exploits. The minister concluded the day with a tour of the Bishops Falls Correctional Centre.“I am very pleased to be in the central region today with Minister Hawkins and MHA Dean to visit our justice facilities, meet with the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor and learn more about the success, challenges and opportunities related to the justice system in this area of our province. Today’s conversations with community leaders and justice officials and staff are invaluable as we work to build a stronger system. It is truly inspiring to see the unique and innovative programming at the Bishops Falls Correctional Centre and I congratulate staff and inmates for their contributions to our communities.”
- The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General
The Bishops Falls Correctional Centre has set a tradition of providing programs that are beneficial to inmates, communities and various community organizations.
Through a partnership with the Lions Club, used eyeglasses are recycled and provided to those in need around the world. Last month, the first recycled eyeglasses produced by inmates at the centre were distributed to patients from Senegal, the Congo and Syria. To date, approximately 40,000 pairs of glasses have been processed by just over 20 inmates.
The centre also has an active Shops program. Products such as trains, a gazebo, picnic tables and benches have been produced for approximately 15 towns and community organizations. Inmates also prepare, plant and harvest vegetables from the centre’s garden. This year’s harvest was recently donated to the Grand Falls-Winsdor Food Bank and Interfaith Goodwill in Botwood.
QUICK FACTS
- Minister Parsons visited a number of justice facilities in the central region of the province today, including the Bishops Falls Correctional Centre. The minister also met with the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor.
- The visit and meetings were an opportunity to learn more about the justice system in the central region and to discuss challenges, opportunities and successes.
- Minister Parsons was joined by the Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Transportation and Works and MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor and Jerry Dean, MHA for Exploits.
- Minister Parsons was also pleased to highlight various programs at the Bishops Falls Correctional Centre which assist both inmates and surrounding communities.
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Media contact:
Jacquelyn Howard Director of Communications Department of Justice and Public Safety 709-729-6985, 689-2624 jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca |
2016 10 18 4:20 p.m.