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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…
Ottawa
May 12, 2003
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA CONTINUES ITS LONG-TERM DISCRIMINATION AGAINST FEDERALLY SENTENCED WOMEN
Ottawa - The National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) today states its support of the charge of discrimination on the basis of gender, race and disability against the Government of Canada/ Corrections Services of Canada as taken to the Canadian Human Rights Commission by a coalition of equality-seeking national women’s organizations. The continued use of a male classification system for women resulting in over-classification; the placement of women in men’s prisons; the absence of women-centred rehabilitation programs, addiction and health programs, education and employment training; the labelling of women with mental health problems as dangerous; and the lack of medium and minium security facilities for women clearly demonstrates discrimination.
NCWC has advocated for establishment of a classification system designed specifically for women in conflict with the law since the early 1980's and has supported the recommendations of CREATING CHOICES, the 1990 report of the Federal Task Force on Federally Sentenced Women.
NCWC holds the view that the charges of discrimination against Corrections Services Canada have been proven beyond any shadow of doubt. NCWC urges the Canadian Human Rights Commission to work with all speed and commitment on behalf of Federally Sentenced Women to recognize the validity of the charges of discrimination on the basis of gender, race and disability brought against Corrections Services Canada and to ensure that immediate action is taken to rectify the situation.
For further information, contact:
Margaret MacGee, NCWC Convener, NCWC Past president
Phone : (613) 232 - 5025
Fax: (613) 232 - 8419
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