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tThe Canadian Champion, Frday, Septmber 22, 2000 3 Guards protest prison privatization By IRENE GENTLE The Champion Corrections workers gathered outside Maplehurst Correctional Complex Tuesday to protest a plan by the Ontario governiment to privatize provincial jails. Worker sal'ety is ai risk if the govern- ment doesn't change ils lune, said Don Ford, a communications officer witb the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). "We've been hitting ai themn pretty con- siaîenhly since last November," he said "Our flka are serious. They're not going to back down." He said senior corrections officers have indicated they'd rather leave the field than work in a private syatem. "We're hoping the government will sec the Iight," he said. NDP corrections critic Peter Kormos delivered a scathing address to, the crowd, whicb ai one point numbered between 50 and 70 workers from around the province. Safety the issue Wearing his trademark tan cowboy boots and speaking into a megaphone, he said a private system will place money above people. "Tbeyrc flot going to be asking the board of directors how many people did you rebabilitate and bow many correction- aI officers did you protect from assault, or how many communities did you make saler," be said. 'Their boîtom line is bow much of a profil did you make." He linked privatization of jails to the water situation in Walkerton, saying deatha could resuit. "Cuis in privatization wili cause death," said Mr. Kormos. "Regrettably. Milton being as likely as any other." Corrections Minister Rob Sampson came under particular l'ire from Mr. Korlnos. "Let's understand that in bis previous life, Mr. Sampson was a corporate banker," be said. "In the old days, crooks used to rob banks. Now they own them." Liberal corrections critic Dave Levac took aim at Mr. Harris. "Mr. Harris should be asbamed of himn- self, but we know that's very diffîcult to do in bis case," he said. He said history han sbown tbere's a 50 per cent incre ase in violence toward cor- rectional officers in privatejails. But that can be prevented, said Mr. Levac. 2-4 p.M. 8741 Tremalme Rd. ISUNDAT *cri. Z4 1 -4 p. m. I 450 Woodward Richard Hiermnaflin attendance $254.900 r!Y YOCT.I1 2-4 p.m. 531 Mercellus Ave. sales Rp. in attendance "We've been hitting at themn pretty consistently since last November. Our folks are serious. They're flot going to back down." DON FORD "If be's concemned about your safety, then Mr. Sampson, ail you have to do is say nlo t0 privatizing jail1 systems," he said. "Mr. Sampson, you're wrong. Admit it. Say you're sony." Issue a hot one Protests taking place across the province are having an impact, said OPSEU President Lcah Casselman. "We have a government wbicb is exposed, thanks 10 the Walkerton situa- tion," she said. "There's six people dead as a result of that. We don't wanl to see people dead in these facilities." She urged correctional workers to keep the issue hot. "This figbt is far from over," said Ms Casselman. "Wc've got tbem on the ropes. We juat need 10 lake îhem to the mat." Privatizalion of Ontario jails is meant to begin next year in Penetanguishene. There are no immediate plans to priva- tize others. Dave Levac, corrections critic for the provincial Liberals, speaka to' Maplehurst employees durlng a protest at the local prison Tuesday. FBSL L"s0 The BIl ze 4New Yorker '~ topping VAddiiional toppings 12.00 On a1&t Roô! 1 Buy 1 Lunch Buffe cd the regular price1 1 ($5.99) Plus a Large Beverage and gel the 1 ~ EDGENol valtd wilh any other offer. CLA$$t " !pi Expires Oct. 15/00 550r% ONTARIO ST., MILTON 87548W 'REOISTER NOW!s Register now for the followingfree health seminars: Thyroid Disease with Dr. Rosenthali Wednesday, Septmber 27tb 7:00 p.m. OTMH Mammacheck: Breàst Self Examination Workshop Wednesday, October 4tb 7:00 p.m. Milton Loblaws - Upstairs I To reserve a seat or obtain more information, please eall (905) 338-4379 and lEt uân c"1(a