Winnipeg, Manitoba, July 11, 2012 – Today, the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, and Joyce Bateman, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, reaffirmed that our Government’s tough on crime measures to keep our streets and communities safe is ending the revolving door of Canada’s justice system. By keeping real criminals in prison longer, the Correctional Service of Canada has seen a reduction in recidivism and is returning a large sum of funds that will benefit hard-working, law- abiding citizens.
“The Harper Government’s tough-on-crime legislation ensures we keep repeat, serious offenders in jail longer. Our measures haven’t had the excessive impact on justice system resources that critics originally predicted,” said Minister Toews. “Recouping these funds is another example of our continued efforts to return to a balanced budget and our government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of law-abiding citizens.”
Projections pegged the inmate population at growing to almost 17,725 by June 2012, the actual figure to date is 14,965. The Correctional Service of Canada does not need these funds to deal with forecasted growth that didn't materialize. As a result, the Harper Government will recoup close to $1.48 billion in funding previously allocated to the Correctional Service of Canada.
“The Harper Government is committed to keeping our streets and communities safe,” said Joyce Bateman. “Today’s announcement demonstrates what our Government has always said; our tough measures on crime do not result in new inmates and new prisons.”
In addition to this, the government also announced on April 19, 2012 that it will close two federal institutions. The closures of Kingston Penitentiary and the co-located Regional Treatment Centre in Kingston, Ontario and Leclerc Institution in Laval, Quebec will be completed by 2014-2015 and will save taxpayers approximately $120 million per year.
To learn more about the Correctional Service of Canada, please visit www.csc-scc.gc.ca.
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Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
Julie Carmichael
A/Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Safety
613-991-2865
