THUNDER BAY -- Renovations to the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre will send inmates to Southern Ontario and officers to help staff at the district jail.
As early as April 11, the male section of the centre will be shutdown for at least six months to make way for major renovations. OPSEU 708 president Shawn Bradshaw said he's been promised there will be no layoffs. He does have concerns that the shutdown might not be temporary.
"Anytime government decides to shut something down you gotta worry if they'll reopen it," he said.
Bradshaw also has concerns that inmates from Kenora or remote First Nations will now be serving time in places like Penetanguishene, near Orillia, now even further from home.
"We're really looking at a situation where you're taking people further from their home and supports they're going to need once they're discharged," he said.
The closest thing to a silver lining for Bradshaw is that 19 of the 29 correctional officers will be redeployed to the Thunder Bay District Jail to help with what OPSEU 737 president Mike Lundy said is a staffing crisis. The jail's staffing model calls for 43 full-time officers. It's been understaffed for months, leaving inmates without yard time, medical visits and other services.
"Things that are crucial to just basic human rights," Lundy said.
Having the officers from the centre could see that model go up to 50 with another 10 or so casual officers. Lundy is hoping the extra staff can help see inmates have their basic needs met.
"It just cries to the need for this new jail that we need," he said.
