Farming Matters!

Canadians need a safe, secure

and sustainable food supply.

Ending prison farm programs hurts all of us!

The ‘Save Our Farms’ campaign was launched by the men and women who oversee, instruct and work with inmates in federal prison farm programs, members of the Union of Solicitor General Employees (USGE-PSAC). We welcome the support of national, regional and local organizations that have an interest in a safe, secure and sustainable food supply.

What's New!!

October 1, 2009

USGE BBQ and Rally in Ottawa a great success

The Union of Solicitor General Employees (USGE) is please to announce the success of its BBQ and Rally to protest the closure of Canada's six prison farms.

"We are quite pleased with the turnout of supporters for this cause," said John Edmunds, National President of the USGE. "The weather cooperated and the message is getting out."

(more)

September 21, 2009

USGE hosting Save Our Farms BBQ and Rally in Ottawa

The Union of Solicitor General Employees (USGE) is please to announce the success of its BBQ and Rally to protest the closure of Canada's six prison farms.

"We are quite pleased with the turnout of supporters for this cause," said John Edmunds, National President of the USGE. "The weather cooperated and the message is getting out."Click here for the event poster.

Riverbend inmate says prison farm system not just about gaining employment skills

(Prince Albert Daily Herald) — Correctional Service Canada has deemed that closing the farm camps at minimum-security institutions will be beneficial, as inmates have no interest in farming upon release.

This is not the case. There are many benefits that CSC officials in Ottawa do not acknowledge or recognize.

A farm camp placement saves lives and souls and allows inmates the personal choice to change. The man on the street, hopefully, has found a reason for life.

My story reveals gaining life. I took a life. I have spent 26 years inside our correctional system, and I witnessed the benefits of being at the farm.
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Prison farm closures show how out of touch the Government is.

(Ottawa) — The announcement by Peter Van Loan, Minister of Public Safety, that the Federal Government is pushing ahead with the closure of Canada’s prison farms shows just how out of touch this Government is.

“Minister Van Loan has made various claims in an attempt to support the farm closures,” said John Edmunds, National President of the Union of Solicitor General Employees (USGE). “Claims that the farms lose approximately $4M per year is an unsubstantiated number. We’ve asked for a forensic audit to be performed, but have yet to receive a reply to our request.” (more)