Portage Youth Center/Staff Photo
An open letter has been written to premier Doug Ford expressing concern about the closure of Youth Justice Centers across the province.
The letter says the closure was abrupt, uncaring and traumatic.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford insists they continue to look at options for the centres.
“For at least one of them for human trafficking recovery and considering having the Nishinawbe Aski Nation and (Grand Council) Treaty #3 look at using one of those assets for troubled youth in the context of how their justice system works,” suggests Rickford.
The letter, signed by four Kenora residents who used to work in the justice system, raises issues about the closures and says the transfers of youth to other facilities across the province shows disrespect to the youth, their families and their communities.
The letter goes on to say at least 20 people have lost their jobs at the Northern Youth Center on Muriel Lake and the Portage Youth Center of Rabbit Lake.
