RESPONSE TO OMBUDSMAN'S REPORT ON CORRECTIONS

Corrections and Public Safety Minister Andrew Thomson today released the detailed government response to the Ombudsman's special report on adult corrections, Inmate Services and Conditions of Custody in Saskatchewan Correctional Centres, that was published in November, 2002.

The Ombudsman's review contained 145 recommendations and 16 suggestions for improvements to the corrections system, as well as 19 commendations.

"We developed an action plan and have accepted most of the Ombudsman's recommendations, a few with limitations," Thomson said. "However, we do not accept some recommendations. For example, for safety and security reasons, we do not agree with the recommendation to provide privacy screens for all cells. The correctional centres try to ensure that all fixtures that may be used in an attempted suicide are eliminated. Safety and security issues must remain a priority over inmate privacy issues."

The provincial government has increased spending on corrections from $44 million in 1998-99 to $61.3 million in 2003-04. This year's budget includes about $2.1 million more for adult corrections, as well as an additional $150,000 to begin the detailed planning needed to replace the Regina Correctional Centre, addressing one of the Ombudsman's main concerns.

The Minister concluded that the Ombudsman's report was a thorough and generally positive review of the Saskatchewan corrections system.

"The Ombudsman acknowledges that corrections staff are doing a good job in often difficult circumstances," Thomson said. "The government will maintain our top priority of keeping communities and individuals safe, balancing effective control and security with programs to help offenders reintegrate successfully into the community."

The detailed response document is available on the Corrections and Public Safety web site at www.cps.gov.sk.ca.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Bill Derby Corrections and Public Safety Regina Phone: (306)787-5883 Email: bderby@cps.gov.sk.ca