Dauphin NDP Members Pass Resolution Opposing Closure of Dauphin Correctional Centre
Treaty 2 Territory Dauphin, MB - Members of the New Democratic Party Dauphin constituency today passed a resolution today at their Annual General Meeting opposing the Pallister Conservative Government’s decision to close the Dauphin Correctional Centre.
“The closure of the Dauphin Correctional Centre will be devastating for the city of Dauphin resulting in the loss of upwards of 80 jobs in our community,” said Dauphin constituency president, Darcy Scheller. “The Pallister Conservatives never told the people of Dauphin before
the election they were planning to cut so many jobs from the community - that is wrong”, Scheller said.
Multiple officials have confirmed there was no prior consultation or communication by the Pallister government of the decision to close the correctional centre. “This resolution is clear - the Manitoba NDP is committed to building a new centre focused on rehabilitation in the city of Dauphin”, said NDP leader Wab Kinew. “We are committed to makingsure there are good jobs in our rural communities and to make rural communities safer. We will call on the Pallister Conservatives to invest in Dauphin instead of cutting jobs.”
Dauphin Constituency Resolution
The Manitoba NDP will oppose the decision of the Pallister government to close the Dauphin Correctional Centre and will support the construction of a new centre focused on rehabilitation in the city of Dauphin; Because the decision will have severe impacts on the community of Dauphin and the Parklands, a “devastating” decision according to the Mayor of Dauphin, with upwards of 80 jobs lost and millions in economic spinoffs removed from rural communities; Because the decision was made without prior consultation or communication with the localcommunity that will be most impacted; Because the decision will not improve public safety in rural and northern communities as risoners will be sent further from their home communities, away from family and community supports;
Because the lack of available and affordable transportation options will make it harder for prisoners to maintain regular contact with their families and home communities;
Because it would better serve the goals of supporting rural communities and enhancing public safety if the provincial government invested in the building of a healing centre in Dauphin so that people involved with the justice system can have access to the supports and resources, like vocational training, they need to participate in the community;
Because healing is an essential part of rehabilitation and must be part of community efforts to enhance community safety and that healing will be the focus of the newly constructed centre.