Pilot project to reduce AIDS and hepatitis C cases among inmates and to cut risks for correctional staff
Ottawa (06 Dec. 2006) - The Harper Conservatives are killing a safe-tattoo program for federal prisoners, despite concerns that it will increase the spread of AIDS and hepatitis C, putting both inmates and correctional staff members who supervise them at greater risk.
Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day announced Monday that the Tories will not continue the generally-praised pilot program. "Our government will not spend taxpayers' money on providing tattoos for convicted criminals,'' Day said. "Our priority is to have an effective federal corrections system that protects Canadians, while providing inmates with access to acceptable health-care and treatment programs.''
Supporters of the project call the move a big mistake, one that will cost far more than it saves in immediate costs, by the millions that will be spent treating future AIDS and hepatitis C cases.
Tattoo parlours at six federal prisons across Canada have been sitting idle since Sept. 30. The $600,000 project was aimed at reducing the spread of AIDS and hepatitis C by providing safe tattooing with clean needles.
High risks in prison environment
Inmates are up to 10 times more likely to contract HIV, the virus that leads to AIDS, than the general Canadian population. Their likelihood of contracting hepatitis C is also about 30 times higher.
Hepatitis C is a blood-born virus that often attacks the liver and can be fatal. One of the most common methods of transmission is getting a tattoo from equipment that is unsanitary and or was used by an infected person.
The pilot program educated inmates about safe tattooing while also training selected inmates on infectious diseases and infection prevention. Selected prisoners were also trained to perform tattoos on fellow inmates.
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) represents correctional workers through its Components in several provinces. NUPGE
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