News Releases

Ontario Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF FEDERAL PENITENTIARY IN GRAVENHURST, ONTARIO

Supports commitment to building stronger communities and safer streets

Gravenhurst, Ontario, September 7, 2010 - Today, the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament for Parry Sound-Muskoka, on behalf of the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, announced the Correctional Service of Canada will spend $15 million to increase capacity within Fenbrook Institution.

"Our Government is committed to ensuring a fair and effective corrections system with a priority to protect Canadians," said Minister Clement, on behalf of Minister Toews. "We need to ensure our prisons are safe to work in, are free of illicit drugs and are rehabilitating offenders effectively so that both our corrections staff and our communities are protected. The expansion of Fenbrook Institution is the next step in helping ensure that criminals serve sentences that better reflect the severity of their crimes."

This expansion will involve the construction of a new 96-bed living unit. It is anticipated that this new living unit will be completed in 2012-13.

"In the previous system, an individual whose violent crime deserved a sentence of 10 years and who had served 2 years in custody prior to trial could -based upon the "two for one" rule- receive a sentence of six years and be on our streets in as little as two years. This possibility is not acceptable to Canadians," said Minister Clement. "The protection of Canadians must come first. Part of keeping our communities safe is keeping dangerous criminals behind bars - not releasing them onto our streets early."

It is anticipated that over the coming years, CSC will be adding over 2,700 beds to men's and women's facilities across Canada.

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For further information, please contact:

Holly Knowles
Regional Communications Manager
Correctional Service of Canada
(613) 545-8210

Christopher McCluskey
Office of the Minister of Public Safety
(613) 991-2865