Ottawa must upgrade or replace 'Dickens' novel Nfld. prison

'The current set-up at HMP is a time bomb waiting to explode.' - NAPE president Carol Furlong

St. John’s - The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE/NUPGE) is calling on the Harper government to commit funding to upgrade or replace a rundown and dangerous correctional facility in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The union, which represents correctional offices, says complaints about abysmal conditions at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary (HMP) in St. John's are serious and need to be addressed.

“The deplorable conditions at HMP are like something out of a Dickens’ novel," says NAPE president Carol Furlong.

"The facility is antiquated and needs to be replaced or completely overhauled. The federal government is blatantly aware of conditions at HMP. Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day, following a recent visit, suggested the facility was a disincentive for anyone who wanted to commit a crime. A flippant remark does nothing to address the safety issues inherent in such a situation, which includes overcrowding and lack of programs,” Furlong said.

“The federal government has been on again, off again in its commitment to funding for a new prison. Just when we thought there would be a tangible commitment to housing federal inmates in this province, the federal government says there are jurisdictions competing for the funding. This is unacceptable. Other provinces do not have the same logistical and geographic issues we have in their province. Furthermore, most other provinces already have a correctional facility for federal inmates.”

Furlong said the need for an overhaul, or a new prison, is is an issue of concern to everyone associated with the current facility.

"It is about the safety of the inmates and staff. The current set-up at HMP is a time bomb waiting to explode, and NAPE has consistently said the status quo is unacceptable. A prison, by its very nature, is a volatile environment on a good day. Couple that with the conditions at HMP, and you have a volcano ready to erupt.”

Furlong said the safety of the staff is an issue that cannot be ignored. NAPE is calling on the federal government to provide the necessary funding to address the many concerns at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary. NUPGE