Leader Patrick Brown Tours Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre

OTTAWA – Today during a visit to Ottawa, Leader of the Official Opposition Patrick Brown and MPP Lisa MacLeod (Nepean-Carleton) toured the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre (OCDC). This is the most recent in a number of tours of jails throughout the province by Brown. 

“I came to Ottawa to see first-hand the unacceptable conditions at Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre that I’ve seen at other jails throughout the province,” said Leader Patrick Brown. “Our correctional services staff work in some of the most dilapidated jails in Canada, yet it’s clear the Liberal Government has been asleep at the switch.” 

Understaffing and the poor state of the infrastructure are just some of the many issues at the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre that this government has known about – and ignored – for years. 

“We continue to see the concerns of the correctional officers not addressed. Hatches in the door cells are an inexpensive fix and would help improve staff safety, yet 60 of the older cells don’t have hatches,” Brown added. “Although the government has committed to the hiring of more correctional staff, this investment is only half of what is needed. While the province is finally doing something, it’s not enough.” 

“For years this government has treated corrections staff with virtually no respect and has ignored their concerns. It shouldn’t have taken a crisis for the government to start listening. The Ontario PC Caucus will continue press the government to have corrections system in Ontario that is secure, safe, and protects hardworking correctional services staff and inmates.”