Union calls for more inmate screening, funding after another prisoner escapes in Mission
Posted August 25, 2014 12:29 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
MISSION (NEWS1130) – Two escapes in two months at Mission Institution could have something to do with federal prison funding, says the union representing corrections workers.
Gord Robertson speaks for the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers and says the Harper government is in the midst of what it calls a deficit reduction plan.
Specifically, that plan aims to cut $295 million from the corrections budget by 2015.
“Properly funded corrections service is something that we’ve always had to make sure the inmates get back into the community without being a high risk,” says Robertson. “So for us, it’s dangerous when we look at what could potentially be warehousing of inmates.”
The latest escape happened yesterday afternoon; Mounties are searching for Norman Riel, who was at Mission Institution, serving a sentence for second-degree murder.
At Mission Institution, Robertson says at any given time, there’s a maximum of six prison guards for the 155 prisoners.
He notes a new unit is set to open there, which will add 50 new prisoners but add no further staff.
“Obviously, it’s very disturbing for us,” says Robertson. “The Harper government has been saying they’re tough on crime, but they keep cutting the corrections budget.”
Corrections Canada has yet to provide an official comment.
