Question Period Note: Penitentiary Agriculture Program

Implementation of the Penitentiary Agriculture Program commenced in fiscal year 2018-19 and continues in a phased manner. In March 2021, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) updated its Penitentiary Farm Program at Joyceville and Collins Bay institutions to focus its dairy operations on the dairy cow program.

• One of the ways that the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) upholds the safety of our institutions and communities is through the Penitentiary Agriculture Program.

• We know that inmates who participate in CORCAN employment programs while incarcerated are more likely to find employment in the community.

• They are also less likely to reoffend or return to federal custody, thereby making communities safer for all.

• The farms at Joyceville and Collins Bay institutions incorporate technical and transferable employment skills and community partnerships for inmates in line with market demand.

• The farms work to better protect our communities and CSC will continue to evaluate and make improvements, to the program as necessary.

As of October 30, 2024, under the designated research of Dairy Farmers of Ontario, CORCAN commenced shipping cow milk. As of the end of December 2024, CSC is at the formal designed capacity of the main Joyceville dairy barn of 86 production milking cows. CORCAN will continue to focus on total herd management to ensure it has the appropriate numbers for its milking capacity.
CORCAN has created linkages with Dairy Farmers of Ontario and McGill University for various research and vocational training opportunities for offenders participating in the Agricultural Program.
Products generated through the agriculture program, including produce, crops, milk, and other potential by-products of these operations will be determined by internal use requirements, agreements and contracts signed as implementation occurs and products are available.
CSC will continually re-evaluate its operations as the plan is executed and will consider elements such as sustainability and market availability, noting that dairy cow milk will be managed in accordance with Canada’s system of supply management for this product. All revenues generated are reinvested into the offender employment and employability program.
Abattoir
On August 22, 2024, an Expression of Interest was issued and included a building that formerly operated as an abattoir. Interested parties had until October 15, 2024, to submit their responses to the Expression of Interest. Upon further review, CSC decided against leasing the buildings identified in the Expression of Interest. Interested parties will be contacted if this decision is reconsidered later.

If Pressed – Abattoir
• The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) continues to review options for the future use of buildings at Joyceville Institution with training for inmates.

• An Expression of Interest was issued last year, which included a building that formerly operated as an abattoir.

• Upon further review, CSC decided against leasing the buildings identified in the Expression of Interest. Interested parties will be contacted if this decision is reconsidered later.