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Ontario covers cost of training for new prison guards to eliminate financial, geographic barriers for recruits

Ontario is covering the cost of training for new recruits as it ramps up hiring more than 100 new correctional officers.

With so many sectors facing labour shortages, the move is designed to “reduce the financial and geographic barrier for new recruits,” the province said. It is spending $500 million over five years to modernize correctional facilities.

“Our government continues to strengthen Ontario’s justice system by hiring more staff to support correctional services,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Correctional officers contribute to the safety of our communities and provide a vital service within the justice system, and we are proud to have their backs. On behalf of the Ontario government, I applaud every person who has chosen a career in corrections and thank them for their commitment to public service and to ensuring inmates have what they need for successful rehabilitation while in custody.”

Eight-week training program

Graduates have successfully completed the eight-week correctional officer training program, which was delivered virtually by Mohawk College. In-person training was led by the Corrections Centre for Professional Advancement and Training.

All recruits received extensive training with enhanced instruction in communication and de-escalation techniques, the province said. The curriculum also included a focus on anti-Black racism, Indigenous cultural training, and inmate management techniques.

Total of 123 new hires

Correctional officer graduates will be assigned to 15 different institutions across Ontario near their home regions:

• 32 graduates will support the Eastern Region at the Central East Correctional Centre, Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre and Quinte Detention Centre.
• 27 will support the Western Region at the Central North Correctional Centre and Sarnia Jail.
• 32 graduates will work in the Northern Region at the Fort Frances Jail, Kenora Jail, Monteith Correctional Complex, Sudbury Jail and Thunder Bay Correctional Centre.
• 17 will work in the Toronto Region at Toronto East Detention Centre and Toronto South Detention Centre.
• 15 will support the Central Region at the Hamilton Wentworth Detention Centre, Maplehurst Correctional Complex and Vanier Centre for Women.