On July 27, 2021, MP Brad Vis (Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon) MP Ed Fast (Abbotsford), MP Tako Van Popta (Langley-Aldergrove), MP Marc Dalton (Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge) and MP Dan Albas (Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola) toured Kent Institution with Pacific Region’s President Derek Chin and Second Vice-President Dan MacKinnon, Kent’s Local President Helinant Raymond and Vice-President Mitchell Hammond.
The Members of Parliament were shown around the institution and Kent members had the opportunity to speak to them regarding the struggles of Correctional Officers and Kent specific issues. Issues such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Mental Health, Forced Overtime, Staff Shortages and Retention, Inmate Accountability, Structure Intervention Units, drone drops, need for body scanners and staff assaults were discussed. At the end of the tour, the group along with UCCO-SACC-CSN met with local management and the Members of Parliament gave the Warden and Deputy Warden their feedback on what they observed and voiced their concerns on behalf of the membership. They also intend to bring some of these issues above the CSC, as one of the MPs sits on the Standing Committee on Public Saftey and National Security in the House. The Members of Parliament who attended the tour have a greater appreciation and understanding of the work that Correctional Officers do and plan on visiting another institution in the near future.
In solidarity,
Pacific Region UCCO-SACC-CSN