For Immediate Release:
May 26, 2011
Queens Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says an announcement from Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak to make prisoners work should be a no-brainer.
“What taxpayer wants to see their hard-earned dollars go to pay for prisoners upkeep and security if the prisoners themselves are allowed a free-ride?” Barrett questioned. “The people and families of Ontario have to work – why would we expect less from convicted prisoners?”
This morning Hudak announced that he intends to require inmates at provincial facilities to give back to society and work up to forty hours per week of manual labour.
Currently, while prisoners in Ontario are given perks like “Freeing the Human Spirit” yoga classes, writing workshops, cooking classes and premium cable television, work for prisoners is voluntary.
“Prisoners, through their own actions, have taken enough from society. It’s time they give something back.” Hudak stated.
Included in this morning’s announcement were Hudak’s plans to:
Make convicted criminals work up to 40 hours per week of manual labour (rake leaves, cut grass, pick up trash, clean graffiti)
Make this work mandatory, not voluntary, as it is now under Dalton McGuinty
Make criminals earn credits, through work, for the benefits they receive.
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For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: (416) 325-8404,
(519) 428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629