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The following is a submitted Op/Ed article written by Calvin Neufeld and Kevin Belanger. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Kingstonist. Recently, CBC aired a so-called “documentary” about the prison farms in Kingston. The Kingston Whig-Standard followed with an article praising the film. Both the
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Justice. Sanctuary. Empathy. Rehabilitation. Sustainability. Community. After just a few minutes of conversation with Calvin Neufeld, you can tell he thinks big. He wants to see all these values being lived out in our world. But he also thinks small. That’s why, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, he’s
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The long-awaited return of Kingston prison farms was celebrated at Collins Bay Institution this morning. Karen McCrimmon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, officially launched the Correction Service of Canada’s (CSC) farm employment program on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at Collins Bay Institution. The six
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The introduction of beef and dairy cows at the new Joyceville and Collins Bay prison farms has drawn the concern of Evolve Our Prison Farms, a campaign for “plant-based prison farms in Canada enhanced by farmed animal sanctuary.” The group will begin holding weekly vigils in front of Collins
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On Tuesday, June 4, 2019, Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, provided the following statement: “I am pleased to confirm that six dairy cows, with heritage lineage, were successfully transported to Collins Bay Institution’s penitentiary farm this morning. Our Liberal government kept our promise
Read more In 2010, the Harper government announced significant budget cuts, which included the closure of six prison farms across the country. Many Kingstonians took issue with the decision, as both Collins Bay and Joyceville penitentiaries had long-standing farm operations that were to be shuttered. After weeks of protests, dozens were arrested,
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In a few short weeks the ball will drop as we clink glasses and usher in another new year. As we look back on the year that was, how will you remember 2017? There was certainly a lot to celebrate this past year, which saw Canada commemorate its 150th, and
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Earlier this month, the Correctional Service Canada (CSC) announced the establishment of a seven member advisory panel who is tasked to provide advice regarding the potential re-opening of Kingston-area prison farms. The panel consists of experts in the areas of business, agriculture and employment opportunities for offenders. One of those
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If you have any opinions about the possible reopening of the Prison Farms, be at the Town Hall meeting at City Hall on Tuesday August 16th, 6pm to 9pm. Correctional Services Canada is hosting the event, Minister of Public Safety Ralph Goodale and Mark Gerretsen MP will be there.
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The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) recently conducted a survey as part of a feasibility study on re-establishing agriculture and agri-food operations at six prison farms including Kingston’s Collins Bay and Joyceville Institutions. The farms were closed between 2009 and 2011 ending the prisons’ agriculture employment initiatives. While CSC continues
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The #ygkChallenge is an ongoing series where we dare you to be different, resolve to be better, and or do something awesome in support of our beloved community. Each week, Kingstonist establishes a new, ambitious or quirky goal, encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone and do something
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With less than two weeks remaining in 2015, the time has come to take a look back at the biggest headlines and most significant news stories that shaped Kingston this past year. Early in 2015, Kingstonians celebrated the grand opening of the Tett Centre, they city’s vibrant arts hub that’s
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