Sault MPP calls for resignation of corrections minister

Angered by tactics in the OPSEU strike, Sault MPP Tony Martin today called for the resignation of Ontario Corrections Minister Ron Sampson.

In an open letter to the minister, released by Martin to reporters in front of the Sault Jail, he describes the strike situation as "very volatile" and calls on Sampson to "either change your approach and become an advocate for those men and women who protect us ... or resign your position."

Martin is also asking Premier-designate Ernie Eves to investigate the situation and to fire Sampson if he refuses to co-operate.

Full text of Martin's letter:

Tuesday, April 2, 2002

The Honourable Ron Sampson Minister of Correctional Services 18th Floor George Drew Building 25 Grosvenor Street Toronto ON M7A 1Y6

OPEN LETTER

Dear Minister:

Out of a deep concern for the safety of my community, jail workers and inmates, I ask you to change your present tactic in this very volatile strike situation.

You have been made aware for a long time of the deteriorating conditions in our jails. Those conditions and this labour dispute combines to create some very dangerous circumstances.

The demonizing of inmates since your appointment and your latest tact to finger the workers is both irresponsible and unacceptable.

I am asking you today to either change your approach and become an advocate for those men and women who protect us, each other and their wards every day or resign your position.

We understand your drive to privatize but do not put lives at risk. Yes there is a crisis but one of your making which has been allowed to escalate due to your inattention and lack of leadership.

I enclose for your information just a few of the local issues left to brew for too long which shed some light on the reasons for poor relations between this arm of OPSEU and your government.

Again, I repeat my fear for the safety of my constituents, jail workers and inmates and ask you to rethink your approach or let someone else take over. Don't let your ideology get in the way of proper and effective public policy and of doing the right thing in this instance.

Sincerely, Tony Martin, MPP, Sault Ste. Marie

Martin's concerns

In background information supplied to Sampson with the above letter, Martin quotes Kim Pate, executive director of the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies, describing the Sault Jail as "one of the worst" work environments and "a fairly toxic place to be if you're a prisoner."

Testifying at an inquest into the August 1999 suicide of a young woman at the jail, Pate said "I don't know what other words to use but toxic or poisonous. It seems to permeate everything."

Ignored 1998 arbitrator's ruling

Martin also accused the Ministry of Correctional Services of "blatently ignoring" a 1998 decision by a Grievance Settlement Board arbitrator directing that five new classified positions be created at the Sault Jail.

The ruling would have raised the classified staff complement to 40, once five vacant positions were also filled.

Instead, the Ministry simply filled the five vacant jobs, Martin said, leaving the complement at 35.

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