June 14th, 2021

NDP calls on Ford to reinstate community oversight of Ontario’s jails

TIMMINS AND KITCHENER – The Ford government must reverse it’s decision to cut community oversight of Ontario jails, said Gilles Bisson, NDP critic for Community Safety and Correctional Services, and Laura Mae Lindo, NDP Anti-Racism critic.

“Doug Ford and the Conservatives are disbanding the boards in a clear move to avoid scrutiny and their responsibility to invest in Ontario corrections,” said Bisson. “Instead of following the recommendations of the boards to improve safety and conditions for everyone — including staff, inmates and their families — the Ford government is getting rid of them. This is a step in the wrong direction and the pandemic is the worst time to do it when safety measures are urgent in Ontario jails.

“We are calling on Doug Ford to reverse this wrong-headed decision and keep inmates, staff and the community safe.”

"The Solicitor General is responsible for more than Corrections, she is also responsible for anti-racism initiatives across Ontario,” said Lindo. “The quiet removal of oversight and accountability in corrections is yet another sign that she does not understand what is needed to do this work well. In order to tackle racism and discrimination in every institution, we need more oversight, not less.

“Instead of avoiding accountability, this government should see oversight in corrections as an opportunity to keep everyone safe. With no oversight, there is little to no chance that discrimination of all kinds will be addressed by this government."