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Ombudsman Calls For New Women’s Prison In Labrador
June 18, 2007
Stark Raven News
The provincial ombudsman is calling for a new women’s prison to be built in Labrador, saying the province is failing the women of Labrador.
Currently, female prisoners from Labrador are held in a women’s prison in eastern Newfoundland.A key issue is that women are often flown from the island to Labrador for numerous court appearances.
The ombudsman criticizes this set up as expensive. He also says it forces women to interrupt any rehabilitation programs that they may be enrolled in.Newfoundland and Labrador's justice minister is reviewing the report and has said he not ready to commit to a women's jail in Labrador.
Women’s advocacy organizations say that the women should have access to treatment and support in their own communities and should not have to go to jail to access services.The majority of female prisoners in Labrador are aboriginal.
Related Mainstream News Stories: www.cbc.caLink to Ombudsman Report