EXPANDING PRISON INDUSTRY WON'T REDUCE CRIME

Criminologists and studies worldwide prove mandatory minimum
sentences do not work.

The U.S. is a perfect example of how mandatory minimums and prison
expansion cost far more than the taxpayers and government can afford,
and create a corrupt, over-financed and unaccountable industry.

The enormous expense of housing people in cells, paying for their
food, and for the guards to watch them, is beyond what Canada can support.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper won't even disclose the projected costs
for the jail building plans. How do the Conservatives expect to pay
for a prison boom after making such bold promises on child care?

I pray that Canadians will pressure their MPs to not support this
proposal or the Conservatives' U.S.-influenced agenda.

It's a cost that Canada can simply not afford -- financially,
ethically or morally.

Jodie Giesz-Ramsay

Vancouver