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Jones calls on government to implement recommendations for female offenders in Labrador June 13, 2007 Yvonne Jones, Opposition Status of Women Critic and MHA for the District of Cartwright-L’Anse au Clair, says government should seriously consider the recommendations outlined in a report released earlier today by the Citizens’ Representative calling for improvements to the justice and health systems for female offenders in Labrador. "In his report, the Citizens’ Representative made five recommendations concerning the health and justice system for women in Labrador," said Ms. Jones. " I feel these recommendations would help strengthen our system to improve the conditions faced by women in our region, especially those who are aboriginal and experience language and cultural barriers. "There have been several instances in Labrador where aboriginal women have received inadequate treatment. Oftentimes, these women are incarcerated and transferred away from family and friends. This event is traumatic enough for individuals, but it is magnified for aboriginal women who cannot speak English and are accustomed to their own cultural traditions. I believe that transferring these women to the island portion of the province often leads to more significant problems and results in longer periods of incarceration. "I have also lobbied government to address the situation involving the Labrador Health Centre’s capacity to handle citizens with complex mental health needs in a secure environment. The Citizens’ Representative outlined his concerns related to this issue and also recognizes this as a significant problem. I am hopeful government will finally act and ensure that space is made available in Happy Valley-Goose Bay to handle the needs of these patients. "I encourage government to give this report serious consideration and make the necessary financial investment. Obviously, the Citizens’ Representative feels there are significant problems that must be addressed and government should ensure that the appropriate financial resources are available for these recommendations to be implemented immediately."
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