Union of Canadian Correctional Officers begin public campaign aimed at informing Canadians on what's happening in federal correctional facilities
MONTREAL, Sept. 13, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO-SACC-CSN) will mount a public awareness campaign on Saturday, September 15th in Prime Minister Stephen Harper's riding of Calgary Southwest. An expected 500 officers from across Canada will hold a march followed by a rally in front of the Prime Minister's constituency office.
"We want Canadians to know that the Conservatives' 'Tough on Crime' agenda is an empty slogan when it comes to Canada's correctional facilities," said Pierre Mallette, National President of UCCO-SACC-CSN that represents staff in fifty-two federal facilities. "The reality is that our prisons are breeding a different type of criminal, one that belongs to a gang, is more prone to violence and will get less treatment before they are released into the community."
Even the federal correctional investigator Howard Sapers pointed out recently in the Calgary Herald, "Because of overcrowding, fewer prisoners have access to programs and education designed to help their rehabilitation." He went on to say, "This is not the best combination for public safety,"
"Canadians need to know what is happening and that their safety may be affected. We are launching this campaign after visiting more than forty correctional facilities during the past three weeks and receiving first hand accounts from our members," said Mallette. Postcards were distributed in the riding informing residents that correctional officers will be knocking on their door this Saturday. "We will continue to target Conservative MPs and make sure their constituents understand what is happening," Mallette went on to say.
About UCCO-SACC-CSN:
The Union of Canadian Correctional Officers represents 7,400 correctional officers working in Canada's 52 federal penitentiaries.
Note to media:
Representatives of UCCO-SACC-CSN from the various regions are available for interview in both official languages.
SOURCE: UNION OF CANADIAN CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS (UCCO-SACC-CSN)
Noémi Desrochers
UCCO-SACC-CSN
Office: 514-598-2162
Cellular: 514-216-1825
E-mail: [email protected]
Atlantic Canada
Gina Wilkins
Office: 506-658-0116
Cellular: 506-639-4658
E-mail: [email protected]
Quebec and Francophone media
Benoit Duguay
Cellular: 506-874-2231
E-mail: [email protected]
Ottawa
David Small
Office: 613-789-7127
E-mail: [email protected]
Ontario
Rick Hall
Cellular: 416-966-1730
E-mail: [email protected]
Manitoba and Saskatchewan
Susan Walsh
Cellular: 416-580-1401
E-mail: [email protected]
Alberta and British Columbia
Gary Mitchell
Cellular: 604-669-5235
E-mail: [email protected]
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