Canada’s six prison farms are at the centre of a national controversy. But not for reasons one might assume.
Last winter, Corrections Canada, which has responsibility for the institutions, suddenly announced it would be closing the facilities by 2010, citing high costs.
Since then, a growing number of groups including farmers, corrections workers and local food advocate have banded together to convince the government to change its mind.
The farms focus on skills training and character-building for inmates through letting the participate in all aspects of farm work. And there are benefits to the local communities as well.
Food from these farms is used in government institutions and donated to food banks. One location in Eastern Ontario includes a working abattoir that processes cattle for local farmers. The agricultural practices used and the results achieved are among the best in the country – and yet, according to the government, the farms are losing $4 million per year.
The farms are located in Ontario, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Check out the website to learn more and see what others have to say about Canada’s prison farms.
