Ottawa’s decision to allocate $1.3 billion for the construction of a new hospital for inmates in New Brunswick has been criticized as a significant misallocation of resources by Correctional Investigator of Canada Ivan Zinger in his latest annual report. Zinger, who serves as the ombudsman for inmates in the federal correctional system, suggests that a more effective and sustainable approach would involve partnering with provincial facilities for acute mental health services rather than proceeding with the costly new facility next to the Dorchester Penitentiary.
Zinger argues that Correctional Service Canada could have pursued enhanced bed capacity through provincial collaborations, emphasizing that such a model would be more compassionate, cost-efficient, and enduring in the long run. He stresses the importance of offering mental health care for inmates outside of the prison setting, stating that individuals with serious mental health conditions should be treated as patients first and not solely as inmates.
While Zinger was not available for immediate comment, he urges the federal government to reconsider its current course of action. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree has acknowledged the report’s concerns and expressed a commitment to addressing the issues raised by the Correctional Investigator’s office. However, the government has indicated that it will not heed Zinger’s recommendation to halt the construction of the new facility.
Recent reports reveal that the project’s cost has surged to $1.3 billion, a significant increase from the initial $400 million budget set in 2021. The new facility, slated to replace the Shepody Healing Centre within the Dorchester Penitentiary, has drawn criticism for its escalating expenses. Despite the rising costs, former Shepody Centre director Luc Doucet defends the need for a separate facility outside the prison walls, emphasizing the importance of providing appropriate care to individuals with mental health challenges to ensure their successful reintegration into society.
The new hospital is planned to be located in the Beauséjour riding, represented by cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc, who has acknowledged the increased budget without specifying a precise figure. The project aims to cater to individuals with serious mental health conditions, offering specialized care for acute psychiatric crises and long-term psychiatric needs in a community-based setting, as recommended by Zinger.
