EXCLUSIVE: $5.8M spent for potential strike preparations in Ontario correctional institutions

Eleven correctional institutions across Ontario spent $5.79 million for renovations to provide managers a place to sleep and shower if OPSEU happens to go on strike.

CityNews obtained documents through a Freedom of Information request that breaks down the costs associated with renovations at the institution.

OPSEU has been negotiating contracts since November.

Taxpayer’s money was used 10 months before negotiations even started on the construction projects.

The makeovers to the correctional institutions are to prepare for the potential of a labour dispute.

The $5.8 million spent on renovations is enough money to hire 100 new teachers or 68 new Toronto police officers or 35 new doctors.

According to OPSEU, the money spent is equal to a quarter of the cost of a one per cent wage increase for 35,000 OPSEU members.

“We very much want to find an agreement but it would be irresponsible for us not to plan, which we always do,” said MPP Deb Matthews.

“It would be very irresponsible to find ourselves in a strike position without having made those appropriate arrangements, if in the worst case scenario there is a strike.”

Some renovations even include temporary trailers.

Retired managers are being brought in from across Ontario as well. They will be used for training sessions in the GTA at all taxpayers expense and all for a strike that may not happen.

Breakdown of millions spent at specific locations:

  • $0.1 at Sudbury Jail
  • $1.303 at CNCC
  • $0.306 at Niagara Detention Centre
  • $0.055 at Algoma Treatment Centre
  • $0.313 at Thunder Bay Jail
  • $0.256 at Kenora Jail
  • $0.421 at Hamilton Wentworth D.C.
  • $0.509 at Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre
  • $0.977 at CECC
  • $0.963 Ottawa Carleton D.C.
  • $0.691 Maplehurst CC/Vanier Centre for Women

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