(July 11, 2023, St. John’s) – Helen Conway Ottenheimer, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Justice and Public Safety and MHA for Harbour Main, today spoke out about continuing delays with addressing serious issues at His Majesty’s Penitentiary (HMP).

Conway Ottenheimer, who has recently met with NAPE President Jerry Earle and Justice Minister John Hogan, indicated serious human resources challenges must be addressed immediately in order to stabilize staffing at HMP and correctional facilities across the province.

“Ongoing collective bargaining and discussions with Government must address human resource challenges,” said Conway Ottenheimer.

“So many of the issues at the 164 year old facility are related to staff shortages: correctional officer safety and well-being, including turnover and burnout, the mental health of staff and inmates and programming and access to recreational time and visitations for inmates.”

Conway Ottenheimer has toured both HMP and the Women’s Prison in Clarenville which included meetings with inmates and staff.

“Human Resource challenges are the number one issue facing corrections in the province and impacts virtually every other aspect of operations. It’s critical for the government to make a final decision on the replacement for HMP,” said Conway Ottenheimer.

“There has been significant delays while HMP has deteriorated further. We need an unequivocal commitment from the Furey Government on a new prison facility.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca