News Releases

Atlantic Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DORCHESTER, NB, July 26, 2006 - The Correctional Service of Canada is greatly saddened by the destruction of Mountain Top House, in a fire that occurred during a thunderstorm last night.

Mountain Top House is a volunteer sector initiative that has provided, since the summer of 2002, affordable accommodation to families visiting inmates at the Dorchester Penitentiary or the Westmorland Institution. The house was built by offenders.

"Correctional Service Canada shares the sadness caused by this unfortunate incident, said Atlantic Region Deputy Commissioner Simon Coakeley, adding CSC is looking forward to work with all groups associated with Mountain Top House to ensure this essential service can once again be offered to the families of inmates".

Family support plays a fundamental role in the successful reintegration of any offender into society. By helping inmates stay in contact with their families, Mountain Top House helps their reintegration into society as law-abiding citizens.

CSC was only one of the many partners, including private entrepreneurs, offering their support in a variety of ways to this worthy initiative.

Please contact Mrs. Jeannie Lowerison, chairperson of the Board of Directors of Mountain Top House Ltd, a charitable organization, for further details. She can be reached at (506) 379-2587.

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

Denis D'Amour
Regional Manager, Communications and Citizen Engagement
(506) 851-2833