Justice Minister Ross Landry reiterated Thursday the province is examining whether or not Nova Scotia needs two new jails and if so, where they’re needed most.
The former Tory government had planned to build replacements for the provincial correctional facilities in both Antigonish and Amherst through public-private partnerships.
But Landry told reporters the New Democrats are looking at “whether we’re going to build one facility or two facilities,” as well as at “what is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the correctional institution.” He said the review should be completed within the next few months.
“We have to be fiscally responsible,” Landry said in Halifax after a cabinet meeting. “Location will be part of that equation.”
However, Landry did recognize a new jail is necessary.
“The sooner we can get one, the better it will be for the clients that reside in those facilities, for the staff that has to work there and for public safety,” he said.
