Prison Farm issue is still alive.

I've recently received information from Prison Farm supporters in Kingston:  Here's the message:


Hello, prison farm supporters,
Next Wednesday, Feb. 2, MPs will be voting on the Public Safety Committee's motion to halt dismantling the prison farm program, conduct an independent review of the program and report back to Parliament.
Leading up to the vote and in order to witness the vote, we are planning events and actions described below. Please participate in as many of these actions as possible to keep up the pressure on the Conservative government to reverse its wrong-headed prison agenda.
We hope a strong show of support for the prison farms will result in a victory on this vote.
Remember, we live in hope...

Four of the things they're planning are:

1. Write to MPs (particularly your own MP), and ask friends and family across Canada to write to their MP (especially if the MP is Conservative);
2. Monday, Jan. 31, at 9 am -- demonstration at the entrance to Frontenac Institution;
3. Monday night vigil at Frontenac Institution;
4. Wednesday, Feb. 2 -- bus trip to Ottawa to witness the vote on the prison farm motion.

Now, unless you live in Kingston, the last three will be difficult, but you can write to your MP.  Given the timeframe, a fax or a phone call would be better.

For Lethbridge people, here's the information for Rick Casson:

Ottawa: Tel: (613) 996-0633 Fax: (613) 995-5752 Lethbridge Tel: (403) 320-0070 Fax: (403) 380-4026 255 - 8th Street South Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4Y1 For other MPs: http://webinfo.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/MainMPsAddressList.aspx?TimePeriod=Current&Language=E Here's a sample letter: To my Honourable Member of Parliament, On February 2, you will be asked to vote on the prison farm issue.  A favourable vote will place a moratorium on further dismantling of Canada's six internationally-recognized prison farms, until an independent study researching the value of the farm program is completed and communicated to Parliament, allowing for a constructive dialogue on the provision of rehabilitation for inmates.   I believe that the prison farm program operated by Correctional Service of Canada offered an effective rehabilitation and training program for inmates (in addition to providing food for the prison system).  In polls conducted by the CBC and the Globe and Mail, over 90 percent of Canadians voted to retain the prison farm program. I understand that this will be a free vote, and trust that you will vote for Canadian values of democracy and rehabilitation, and endorse the value of farming in Canada.  As my representative, I ask that you vote as you should — representing your constituents. On February 2, please vote to save Canada’s prison farms -- and demonstrate that you are listening to the vast majority of Canadians that believe that providing constructive rehabilitation for inmates increases public safety.  It is time to be smart on crime. In peace, respect and friendship, FInally, here are some links to articles about the issue: Mauri restorative justice    http://www.sfu.ca/~palys/Tauri%20chapter%20on%20Maori%20the%20CJS.pdf  Coalition of churches condemns Ottawa's justice plans    http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/coalition-of-churches-condemns-ottawas-justice-plan/article1884171/ Why Canada' prisons can't cope with flood of mentally ill inmates    http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/why-canadas-prisons-cant-cope-with-flood-of-mentally-ill-inmates/article1879501/ Article from The Nation on ending the war on crime    http://www.thenation.com/article/end-war-crime  Newt Gingrich's column opposing prison expansions in the US    http://host.madison.com/ct/news/opinion/column/article_0f359876-c028-5269-9c47-4df21f3ddf4c.html Editorial in The Star opposing expanding prisons (relates to the Newt Gingrich column)    http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/922295--expanding-prisons-getting-it-right-on-crime