Front-line Corrections reps to speak out on Ombudsman's Report

TORONTO, June 18, 2013 /CNW/ - Union officials who represent Ontario's front-line correctional officers will hold a press conference Thursday to respond to the Ontario Ombudsman's report on use of force in the province's correctional facilities.

DATE:	Thursday, June 20, 2013
LOCATION:	OPSEU Toronto Office
	31 Wellesley St. East
	Toronto
TIME:	2:30 p.m.

Prior to the press conference, corrections leaders from across Ontario will meet at the Wellesley location to discuss the report first-hand, and voice their concerns about aspects of André Marin's findings and recommendations.

"Our members are extremely concerned that inaccuracies in the report and the use of one-sided information paint a picture that gives the wrong impression about the realities on our facilities," said Dan Sidsworth, elected provincial chair for correctional officers. "Our members want a chance to set the record straight so we can move in a positive direction and fix the problems plaguing our jails."

Sidsworth said that while the Ombudsman's report outlined some issues, it is nowhere near a comprehensive insight into Ontario corrections.

"Our members have the real story," Sidsworth said. "Much of the information they have provided to the Ombudsman was absent from the report. If the Ministry is going to go forward on all of the report's recommendations, then they need to do so with a more accurate picture than what they have now."

SOURCE: OPSEU

Dan Sidsworth 905-691-7955