News Releases

Quebec Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JOLIETTE, QC, September 20, 2004 - The Acting Warden of Joliette Institution, Sylvie Patenaude, is pleased to invite media representatives to attend an Open House Day on Wednesday September 22, 2004, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Please note, however, that the reception for participants will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 8:50 a.m.

On this occasion, three dogs trained as companion animals will be given away to families in the Lanaudière area. The dogs were trained by federally sentenced women at Joliette Institution in the recently introduced canine program.

The program was established at Joliette Institution a year ago. The objectives of the program are several. First, for the inmates, it promotes the development and reinforcement of self-esteem, a sense of responsibility and perseverance, to name only these aspects. In addition, the program makes it possible to avoid euthanizing some abandoned dogs and to find new host families for them. Finally, from a restorative justice viewpoint, the program allows the women participants to contribute to the welfare of the surrounding society by making a gift of the animal they have trained to a selected family. Those who developed the program, the trainer in charge, participating inmates and the families who are receiving a dog will be available to answer questions from the media. Other guests will also be present, including social and community partners concerned with the status of women.

Following the presentation, interested media representatives will have an opportunity to take part in a guided tour of the main sectors of the Joliette Institution, including the two recently opened units, the Structured Living Environment Houses for inmates with mental health problems and the Secure Units for inmates requiring a maximum security setting.

Joliette Institution is located at
400 Marsolais Street
Joliette, Quebec
(Itinerary available on request)

We look forward to seeing you!

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For further information, media representatives are asked to contact:

Thérèse Lemieux, Coordinator, Case Management, Joliette Institution, (450) 752-5257, ext. 3003.

Please confirm your presence with Manon Chartrand, Executive Assistant, ext. 2203, by noon on September 21, 2004, and give the names or at least the number of people who will accompany you.

It should be noted that for security reasons and to facilitate visitor registration, visitors must identify themselves with a photo ID card. In addition, all visitors and their personal belongings/technical equipment will be subject to inspection by being passed through an x-ray scanner. Finally, no cell telephones will be admitted in the institution.