“This is an encouraging sign that the Government is working towards creating a safe and secure environment for our members and the offenders housed in these facilities” - Peter Olfert, President MGEU/NUPGE.

Winnipeg (8 July 2009)- The province of Manitoba has announced that expansion projects will begin at two of its correctional facilities.

A new 48-cell unit will be constructed at the Agassiz Youth Centre (AYC) in Portage La Prairie, and an 80-bed expansion is planned for the Brandon Correctional Centre (BCC).

Construction for AYC is expected to begin this summer and construction at BCC will begin this fall, with substantial completion at both locations expected in late 2010.

The expansion of AYC will also require additional staff and new food services support to ensure the facility is ready to operate independently when the new women's facility in Headingley replaces the Portage Correctional Centre.

Other recent initiatives to add capacity to the adult system include the addition of a 150-bed unit at Milner Ridge Correctional Centre.

“This is an encouraging sign that the Government is working towards creating a safe and secure environment for our members and the offenders housed in these facilities,” said Peter Olfert, President of the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE).

Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Ron Lemieux stated these expansion projects are a significant step forward in the province's commitment to meeting the capacity needs of its correctional system.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE