THUNDER BAY — The union that represents Ontario correctional officers is stepping up its pressure on the government to start construction of the promised new Thunder Bay Jail.
Representatives of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union are speaking out in the wake of last week's scathing report by the provincial ombudsman on conditions in antiquated, overcrowded jails.
Paul Dube said he was left 'shaken' after touring the Thunder Bay District Jail.
Last April, the government confirmed it would proceed with construction of a new 325-bed facility in the city, but as yet there is no firm date for the start of construction, and its completion is likely several years away.
Chris Jackel, chair of OPSEU's Corrections Division, said Monday "It's imperative the government waste no more time getting the shovel in the ground."
Jackel described the Thunder Bay jail as "no place to work or live, and certainly not to get a new start on life."
OPSEU First Vice-President Eduardo Almeida, who's a correctional officer, said the facility does "a grave disservice" to inmates seeking a fresh start.
"As correctional staff members, we do everything possible to ensure that when inmates leave our institutions, they never come back. But in Thunder Bay, we're stymied, because we can't offer the basic rehabilitation programming mandated by the province," Almeida said.
He added that the system is failing all inmates, and in particular Indigenous inmates, who he said are incarcerated "because of systemic racism."
OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas said he agrees, noting that inmates with mental health and addictions issues are also being shortchanged.
"With the disgraceful lack of mental health supports in Ontario, particularly in the northwest, our institutions have become the mental health facilities of last resort," Thomas said.
He said half the inmate population is in desperate need of help, but can't get it.
Saying that it will take at least five years to build a new jail, Thomas asked "What's the government waiting for now ? A Riot? Injuries and deaths? ".
