News Releases

Atlantic Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DEMONSTRATION AT SPRINGHILL INSTITUTION

SPRINGHILL, NS, June 3, 2008 - On Monday, May 26, 2008, inmates at Springhill Institution commenced a peaceful demonstration in protest of the Correctional Service of Canada total smoking ban. Inmates have refused to work and attend programs. We are in day nine of this situation.

Until the issues have been resolved, a lockdown routine has been implemented. Inmates are being fed in their housing units and limited recreation and visits are being provided.

In February 2008, leading up to the smoking ban, inmates were provided access to smoking cessation aids free of charge, educational material and information sessions. Additional activities were offered to assist in occupying time.

Ongoing discussions are being held between management and inmate representatives to attempt to reach a resolution. Springhill Institution is committed to further examining issues in an attempt to return to normal routine as soon as possible. In that way, inmates can return to their programs and to their work. Without completing programs, parole and other types of earned releases will be impacted. Getting a parole hinges on inmates successfully addressing their issues through programs. Without these, inmates may end up staying in prison longer than they have to.

CSC moved to a total smoking ban at all federal correctional facilities in order to provide a healthy environment for staff, offenders and members of the public. This will help CSC achieve its goal of eliminating exposure to second-hand smoke in correctional facilities.

Springhill Institution is a medium-security federal penitentiary, currently housing 455 male offenders.

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

Shannon Oickle
Chief, Administration and Materiel Management
902-597-0132