News Release Archive
JUSTICE--PREFERRED SUPPLIER ANNOUNCED--CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES ----------------------------------------------------------------- Justice Minister Bill Gillis today announced that Atlantic Corrections Group (ACG) has been chosen as the preferred supplier to work with the Department of Justice in defining, developing and implementing a plan for adult correctional facilities. Atlantic Corrections Group is a joint venture company equally owned by SNC Lavalin Inc. of Montreal, Bracknell Corporation of Toronto, and Management and Training Corporation of Utah. SNC Lavalin and Bracknell are engineering and construction companies while MTC has expertise in privately operated correctional facilities. A number of additional companies are participating as well, including: KPMG; Gillies, Stanksy Brems Smith Architects; Fowler, Bauld & Mitchell; Medcan Health Management Inc; RBC Dominion Securities Inc.; and Bristol Communications. The department will now begin negotiations with ACG to set the terms of reference and the scope of each stage of the project. The project will be completed in several stages. First, a detailed study will be conducted. Working with the province, ACG will then help to design a new plan for adult correctional facilities. The plan will outline the number of institutions, style and locations, appropriate security levels and core programs for inmates. The department will then work on implementation. Whether correctional facilities will be operated publicly or privately will be decided as the process proceeds, and only after the configuration plan has been developed. The extent of involvement of ACG in the actual physical design, construction and financing of the facilities will also be decided as the process proceeds. The plan that will be developed must fit the principle objectives of the project, which are: to provide a safe and secure environment for offenders; safety and security for the public; and a safe and healthy working environment for staff; to provide the appropriate type and number of beds in the right locations; to provide rehabilitative programs that should complement those currently in existence; and to meet government's expenditure control targets. "We will conduct extensive consultations with stakeholders as we develop the plan for adult correctional facilities," said Dr. Gillis. "I want to reiterate that we have not made any decisions regarding privatization. We will do so after very careful analysis of our needs, so that we may find a solution that is in the best interests of the taxpayers, and updates and improves our present system." There are currently nine adult correctional facilities operated by the province, with an annual operating budget of $17.8 million. -30- EDITORS: A backgrounder is available by calling 902-424-4492 or 1-800-670-4357 Contact: Michele McKinnon 902-424-6811 jlw June 27, 1996 1:00 p.m.