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MPP Blames Gov't for Jail Problems

Tuesday, 14 April 2026 17:14

By Geoff Waterfield, Canadian Press

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Jennie Stevens says Ford government not investing enough, gov't planning expansion

Ontario is planning a massive expansion of jails over the next few decades.

The Canadian Press has learned through University of Ottawa researchers' freedom-of-information requests it means nearly 6,000 beds by 2050.

A criminology professor says it'll cost taxpayers billions of dollars -- and the first phase is already underway.  

Ontario NDP Shadow Solicitor General Jennie Stevens, MPP for St. Catharines, is blaming the Ford government for more lockdowns due to staff shortages at jails.

She says there were over 2,000 last year at one facility, where this is over crowding.

She also says lockdowns are not the answer, but hiring more staff and invest in better jails.

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