Canada's New Government upgrades Correctional Service Canada Grande Cache Institution, creates 96 new jobs

Grande Cache, Alberta, July 5, 2007 – Rob Merrifield, Member of Parliament for the riding of Yellowhead, on behalf of the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, announced today that Grande Cache Institution will return to being a medium security institution, after operating as a minimum security institution since 2000. The change comes as a result of the changing offender profile and recent prison population pressures.

“Canada's New Government is committed to ensuring a safe and effective corrections system with a priority to protect Canadians, and as a result of this conversion, 96 new long-term jobs will be created and $3 million will be invested in upgrades to the Institution over the coming months,” said Mr. Merrifield. “By converting Grande Cache Institution, Correctional Services Canada will be able to fulfill its mandate to ensure our communities are safe.”

Following the upgrades, which are anticipated to be completed by December 2008, Grande Cache Institution is expected to accommodate 243 offenders at the medium security level. The upgrades include minor construction as well as the upgrading of security devices.

The transition plan to take Grande Cache Institution from a minimum security institution to a medium security institution will take nearly two years to be completed. This change will help to alleviate some of the pressures for space in medium security federal institutions across the Prairies region.

The conversion will include the creation of 96 new jobs, many of which will be correctional officer positions. Grande Cache Institution currently has 157 employees.

For more information, please see the attached backgrounder or contact the resource person listed below.

For further information:

Jeff Campbell
Regional Manager of Communications
Correctional Service of Canada
(306) 975-5082

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657

Grande Cache Institution

History:

The Alberta Government began construction of Grande Cache Institution in 1984. It opened in 1986 and was operated by the provincial government as a provincial institution for medium security offenders. While operating as a provincial facility, on average approximately 250 offenders were incarcerated at the facility supervised by a staff of approximately 135. In 1995, the institution was leased from the Province of Alberta by the federal government under the auspices of a long term agreement. From 1995 to 2000, the Correctional Service of Canada operated Grande Cache Institution as a medium security institution. A shortage of minimum security bed space in the Prairie Region prompted a conversion to minimum security in April 2000.

Subsequently, the offender population profile has changed, and CSC has identified a need for more medium security space. This was the basis for the decision to convert GCI to a medium security institution. The conversion will mean 96 new staff will be needed. The conversion will mean some minor new construction as security equipment such as alarm systems are upgraded. Acquisition of perimeter patrol vehicles will also be required to bring the facility up to medium security standards. Capital costs for new equipment for the conversion will be $3.2 million. Operating costs including salaries, will be $22.6 million per year once the conversion has taken place.

Current Profile of the Institution:

Prairie Region Male Inmate Profile by Security Level:

For more information contact:

Jeff Campbell
Regional Communications Manager
Prairie Region
Correctional Service of Canada
(306) 975-5082 - Saskatoon