Campaigners hoping to save Canada’s prison farms are going to court seeking a stay-of-execution for an Ontario farm.
Early next week, representatives of the Save Our Prison Farms campaign expect to be in a federal court asking a judge to impose a moratorium on dismantling the dairy farm at the Kingston Frontenac Institution.
They will be petitioning on behalf of inmates at the prison who are asking a judge to declare the government decision illegal because it was taken without consultation with the inmates. They say federal legislation requires consultation with inmates if major changes are being made in the prison.
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Dianne Dowling, a Kingston-area farmer, said in a July 12 interview it is logical that the dairy herd and farm be left intact while the issue is before the court.
“I think really a de facto moratorium exists,” she said. “If a judge finds that there is merit to our motion, then I think it could take some months before this is dealt with.”
She said that at a July 9 meeting with Correction Services of Canada commissioner Don Head, he told the group the justice department has indicated there will be no dismantling while the issue is before the courts.
The Conservatives say they plan to close down all six prison farms, created more than a century ago, because they cost money and do not teach inmates work relevant skills in today’s society.
Opponents ranging from farm groups and social action networks to churches and the John Howard Society dispute the government’s assertions.
Corrections Canada already has sold the dairy herd at Dorchester Penitentiary in New Brunswick.
Farms in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta also would be affected.
Dowling said during the meeting, Head was not receptive to suggestions that the Kingston farm be saved and revitalized, including creation of a cheese plant at the Frontenac farm.
