A new correctional centre for women is set to open as early as the end of this month and will offer female offenders more opportunities to participate in programming that will help them prepare to be integrated back into the community. This announcement was made by Justice Minister Andrew Swan.
“The new facility adds much-needed capacity in our province but, aside from that, female offenders will have access to more space to be able to participate in programs that give them an opportunity to turn their lives around,” said Swan.
The province has invested $79.5 million in the new facility, the minister said. With the increased space offered by the new jail, program delivery will be improved for inmates, enabling them to maximize their time in custody and become valuable members of the community, he added.
Programs offered will include:
• addictions counselling and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings,
• programs to help women develop coping skills and battle substance abuse, and
• life-skills and education programming.
The province proceeded with plans for a new facility for women in Headingley on the advice of an independent committee. The new facility is closer to the courts, legal counsel and other supports.
The new structure has 193 beds, 25 of which will be used by Correctional Services of Canada for federal female inmates.
The Women’s Correctional Centre will provide a mixture of low- to high-security beds and the 120,000 square-foot facility will provide room for programming, training, medical assistance, video court appearances, a child-friendly visiting area and space for outside agencies to work with offenders before their release.
Since 1999, a total of $202.2 million has been invested by the province to increase the number of adult beds by 584 in provincial correctional facilities in Headingley, Brandon, Milner Ridge and Dauphin, said Swan.
