Solicitor General launches review of provincial corrections programs
By Garnet Lewis
The MLA review of Alberta’s corrections programs is underway. Solicitor General Heather Forsyth appointed the three MLAs in May. They are reviewing Alberta’s programs to ensure they meet the needs of the community and staff safety, offender rehabilitation and cost-effectiveness. The committee will report back to government this fall with recommendations.
“My ministry has three core businesses,” said Forsyth. “We’ve already undertaken a review of policing and are currently reviewing victims programs. A review of correctional programs, even though they are the most cost-effective in the country, is the logical next step.”
Mary Anne Jablonski, MLA for Red Deer-North, chairs the MLA Corrections Review Committee. Other members are Ray Danyluk, MLA for Lac La Biche-St. Paul; and Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA for Edmonton-Castle Downs.
Issues the committee has been directed to include in the review are:
- the effect of current sentencing practices on Alberta’s corrections programs
- staff and funding resources
- offender security and staff safety, including the use of stab-proof vests, cut-resistant gloves, contraband control, and smoking in correctional centres
- custody bed capacity requirements and occupancy rates
- offender rehabilitation and work programs
Committee members are visiting adult and young offender correctional facilities, attendance centres, community corrections offices, and work camps across Alberta. They are getting a first hand look at the facilities and programs, and are hearing from corrections workers.
“It has been very beneficial to be able to meet and talk to so many professional and dedicated corrections service front-line workers,” said Jablonski. “They’ve shared their concerns and ideas. My colleagues and I appreciate their valuable input, and encourage all comments.”
The committee also visited federal facilities and traveled to Ontario to learn about some of that province’s correctional programs, including the privately run correctional centre in Penetanguishene.
The committee sent out invitations for written submissions to a wide range of individuals and organizations. Unsolicited submissions are also accepted. Anyone with an interest in participating in the review can send a written submission to: Mary Anne Jablonski, 620 Legislature Annex, 9718-107 Street, Edmonton AB, T5K 1E4.
Submissions can also be sent via e-mail to: mlacorrectionsreview@gov.ab.ca. Responses must be submitted by October 1, 2002.
