Prison population not increasing despite tough-on-crime laws: Toews

James McLeod/The Telegram

Public safety Minister Vic Toews speaks in Mount Pearl in this Telegrm file photo.

Published on July 11, 2012; Published on July 11, 2012
The Canadian Press

Topics :: Correctional Service of Canada.Toews , WINNIPEG , Ottawa

WINNIPEG — Federal Public Safety Minister Vic Toews (TAYVZ’) says predictions of an explosion in the prison population are not coming true.

Toews says the country’s inmate population stood at just under 15,000 as of June 30 — almost 3,000 below what was estimated a few years ago by the Correctional Service of Canada.

Toews says the numbers refute opposition suggestions that the government’s tough-on-crime laws would put a lot more people behind bars.

Toews says the lower-than-expected numbers will allow the government to spend almost $1.5 billion less over the next seven years by not building new prisons.

Ottawa has already announced it is closing two older prisons, but adding 2,700 more beds to existing jails.

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Inmate

- July 11, 2012 at 19:51:44

That's probably because prison is too luxurious. Where else do you receive health care, cable tv, 3 square meals a day, and a stimulating social atmosphere - all at the public's expense??? Why pay rent, when you can just break the law and live for free?

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- David
  
  - July 12, 2012 at 09:10:21
  
  Does it bother you that you don't know what the #$@& you're talking about? Sometimes it's better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than open it and remove all doubt.
Justin Flontek

- July 11, 2012 at 16:39:40

My understanding was that not all the provisions in Bill C-10 where implemented yet. It was going to take some time. Not to mention it hasn't been a year yet, it's not like the US prisons inflated over night.

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Eli

- July 11, 2012 at 15:53:14

I'll let you in on a little secret Vicci. The judges are turnin' 'em loose because they know there's no place to put 'em. Better most were sent to Afghanastan.

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