Saskatoon Correctional Centre Unveils Transformative Expansion Focused on Reintegration

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – A new chapter in correctional services has begun in Saskatchewan with the official opening of a significant expansion at the Saskatoon Correctional Centre. This landmark $118 million provincial investment introduces 136 additional beds, elevating the facility's total capacity to 456, but more importantly, it ushers in a groundbreaking approach centered on rehabilitation and successful community reintegration.

At the heart of this expansion is a dedicated 16-bed reintegration unit, a pivotal component designed to equip individuals with the essential tools and support systems needed for a positive and productive return to society.

This unit marks a progressive shift from traditional incarceration, focusing intently on addressing the root causes of reoffending and fostering personal growth.

The programming within the new unit is holistic and comprehensive, tackling critical areas such as mental health support, addiction treatment, educational advancement, and crucial life and job skills training.

The aim is clear: to empower individuals with the confidence and capabilities to secure employment, maintain stable housing, and build healthier relationships, ultimately breaking the cycle of reoffending.

Don Morgan, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, emphasized the provincial government's commitment, stating, "Our government is making the investments necessary to ensure offenders have the support they need to address the root causes of their offending behaviour and successfully reintegrate into the community." This sentiment underscores a forward-thinking vision for corrections that prioritizes long-term success over short-term containment.

The expansion has also created substantial employment opportunities, adding 160 new full-time positions including correctional officers, program staff, and health care professionals.

These new team members are integral to delivering the specialized programming and maintaining the secure and supportive environment crucial for the unit's success.

Christine Tell, Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety, highlighted the broader societal benefits, "By reducing reoffending, we are building safer communities for everyone.

This new reintegration unit will ensure that offenders have a better opportunity to successfully return to their home communities by equipping them with the tools necessary to do so." Her words resonate with the belief that effective rehabilitation is a cornerstone of community safety.

Residents within the reintegration unit will engage in a structured environment that gradually prepares them for release.

This includes access to community resources, opportunities for supervised leave to attend appointments or secure employment, and continuous support from dedicated staff. The goal is to bridge the gap between incarceration and freedom, making the transition smoother and more sustainable.

This innovative expansion at the Saskatoon Correctional Centre represents a bold step towards a more effective and humane justice system.

By investing in people and providing them with pathways to positive change, Saskatchewan is laying the groundwork for stronger communities and a brighter future for all its citizens.