General

Canadian prison costs increase 86 per cent

Once $1.6 billion yearly, the projections for 2011-12 show costs in the $3 billion range

Federal prison costs have risen 86 per cent since the Harper government came into power in 2006, the National Post reports. The cost of Canada’s federal corrections system was $1.6 billion yearly, but projected costs for 2011-12 show numbers just under the $3 billion range. The figures appeared in the annual Reports on Plans and Priorities of the Correctional Service of Canada. Experts say the Harper government’s plan to increase prison construction and staffing have contributed to the higher cost projection.

The National Post

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