Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew says the government should build the first provincial Healing Lodge in Manitoba to replace the soon-to-be-defunct Dauphin Correctional Centre.

 

Kinew says the proposed healing lodge would support the 80 workers who will have to look for other placements once the correctional centre closes in May, and would adhere to one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action.

 

He explains that the healing lodge would be an opportunity for those incarcerated to participate in Indigenous cultural activities and receive cognitive behavioural therapy, which will support them in re-entering society with a positive outlook.

 

Kinew adds that the lodge would service other northern communities like Thompson, Flin Flon, and The Pas.

 

He explains that in the initial stages of this proposal, people would have to travel to Dauphin for these services, but they plan to build more facilities across Manitoba so that people can be closer to their communities while rehabilitating.

 

Kinew goes on to say that this proposal is based on feedback the NDP received from Dauphin residents, in particular the workers who will be affected by the closure, which is set to take place in May.