Where’s the openness and accountability on the cancellation of the Labrador detention centre?

Government’s admission earlier today that the proposed pre-trial detention facility for Happy Valley-Goose Bay is cancelled is just another in a long list of examples that further demonstrates this government’s lack of openness and accountability, said Opposition Justice Critic Kelvin Parsons.

The citizen’s representative completed a report into the correctional needs of Labrador women and youth in 2007. After recognizing the need that existed, government announced that it would construct a pre-trial detention facility in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and funding was allocated in budgets 2008 and 2009. However, the minister of justice advised earlier today during the budget estimates process that the project is now on hold indefinitely.

“This was a major project to address a significant gap in women and youth justice in Labrador,” said Mr. Parsons. “While government announced $2.3 million for its construction, there was no announcement that the money hadn’t been spent or that the project had been placed on hold indefinitely. This is absolutely shameful and once again shows the lack of openness and accountability by this government. When such significant projects are being cancelled, it certainly raises the question as to what else is being hidden.

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