Government of Yukon
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FOR RELEASE #08-164
July 2, 2008
Women’s Unit First Step in Replacing Whitehorse Correctional Centre
WHITEHORSE - Construction of a transitional women's living unit, which will provide accommodation for medium to lower risk women offenders, is expected to begin this fall, Minister of Justice Marian C. Horne announced today.
The women's living unit will be on the Whitehorse Correctional Centre property and will hold up to nine inmates. These inmates are now being housed in a secure area within the correctional centre.
"The unit will provide opportunities for women inmates to make meaningful and responsible choices while in custody and assist their transition back into the community," Horne said.
"We have heard in our correctional redevelopment work that new approaches are required to meet the needs of women offenders in Yukon. Creating new and more appropriate space for them is a positive step towards addressing their unique needs," she added.
The unit will provide a supportive environment that reflects community living. It will include living space, kitchen facilities and programming space.
Upon completion of the new correctional centre, the unit will be converted to provide elders' services and inmate programming.
The new correctional centre is on schedule for completion in late 2011.
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| Contact: | |
| Matthew Grant Cabinet Communications 867-633-7961 matthew.grant@gov.yk.ca |
Dan Cable Communications, Justice 867-667-3508 dan.cable@gov.yk.ca |