Justice department hires consultant to examine possible HMP replacement

The Department of Justice says it has taken immediate steps to improve correctional facilities in Newfoundland and Labrador, and it's still considering options for replacing Her Majesty's Penitentiary in St. John's.

EY (formerlycalled Ernst and Young) has been hired to conduct a "value for money analysis" to determine the best way to replace the Victorian-era men's jail. The firm is looking at traditional procurement options versus a public-private partnership.

• 'Isolated mental agony' flagged in emotional emails begging for action at N.L. jails

"I'm quietly optimistic that we can do something very positive in the future. We know that it's a need," Justice Minister Andrew Parsons said Thursday.

The province has joined forces with private firms on other builds, Parsons said. "We wanted to see how it would work on this one."

A new men's jail has been promised by different administrations and political parties over the last couple of decades, and there is no disputing the need for a new facility.

The Liberal government has previously said a new prison took a back seat due to the province's financial situation, but Parsons told CBC News he believes the province should move ahead with construction even if it can'tsecure funding from the federal government.

Parsons said he recently requested a discussion about funding assistance from Ralph Goodale, the federal Minister of Public Safety.

"We'll continue to work with the feds, but this is not something we can wait on," he said. "This is something I think is a need, and it's a need now."

The value assessment contract with EY, Parsonssaid, is evidence of the Liberal government's prioritization of a new prison.

"I'd like to think as a government we've moved forward on some things that had stalled," he said, referencinginfrastructure projects such asthe Corner Brook hospitaland theWaterford mental health facilityreplacement.

"This is another one that's obviously a priority."

Independent review ongoing

Pressure for a new jail began to build this yearafter two men took their own lives within a year at HMP. At the same time, the Department of Justice and Safety grappled with the deaths of two women at the Women's Correctional Centre in Clarenville.

The deaths prompted the province to commission an independent review, and "where appropriate and necessary," provide recommendations, a department spokesperson said.

It has not been confirmed whether the results of that review, conducted by former Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officer Marlene Jesso, will be made public, but Parsons said Thursday he believes there is a need for transparency.

"I think they have to be [made public] to ensure public confidence," Parsons said."This is a public issue. Iknow the families want to see thisinformation, and that's paramount, but I also think there's a public need to see this."

A timeline for the review'scompletion is still unreleased.

2nd addictions resource added

A CBCNews story Wednesdayhighlighted emails sent to the justice minister within the last year documenting issues with mental health care of inmates.

Since the deaths of Doug Neary, Skye Martin, Samantha Piercey and Chris Sutton, asecond addictions counsellor has been hired and placed atHMP, the minister said.

"I think that's going to do a really good job of speeding up inmates' ability to have these issues dealt with by a professional," said Parsons.

• 'Now it's our son': Parents in shock after latest death at HMP

The regional health authorities and the justice department, meanwhile, are working to see single sessions for mental health and addictions are availablein all provincial correctional institutions.

As already announced, the care of inmates will fall under the umbrella of the Department of Health within the next year. Before that happens, there'll be a review of health care services.

The department says it's also working on bringing in a system to check on inmates while they're locked in their cells each day between the 12-2 p.m staff lunch break.

Inmates at risk of self-harm, for the time being, will still be confined in segregation cells for their own safety, the minister said.

Read more from CBCNewfoundland and Labrador