By Jill Smith

Province considers privatizing food service at jails

Jan 14, 2014 | 12:10 PM

The provincial government is considering a move to privatizing food services at jails. The idea is that if they can save money on that, more resources could pour into core services.

“We do a lot of things very well and we’ve got good, dedicated people that work very hard for us,” said Dale McFee, the province's deputy justice minister. “But if we think we’re the best we can be at everything we can be, then that’s just wrong.”

Seven facilities across the province could be impacted. Those include: Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Pine Grove Correctional Centres, Paul Dojack, Kilburn Hall, and Prince Albert Youth Residence.

“We always have to look at improving. This is one of those things that I’m committed to, and this ministry, this government is committed to, is that we’re always going to look at ways to improve. I see this very much as an opportunity,” said McFee.

The idea is that food service is not part of the core business of the Ministry of Justice – Corrections and Policing. The government considers core business at corrections facilities to be dealing with violent offenders, mental health and addition services, and improving literacy and job skills.

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“I think all of those things that are not core business that you can reinvest in core business absolutely need to get looked at.”

The province has sent out a request for proposals. No changes would occur before the fall of this year. If changes do go ahead, it could impact 62 jobs including both part time and full time positions. Nobody has been laid off at this point.

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