Thank you. I'm here on behalf of the prison farm campaign. Investing in the revitalization of Canada's prison farms is an opportunity to reduce recidivism rates, create safer communities, and offer much-needed programming in our correctional institutions.
As a stepping stone toward release into communities across Canada, these minimum-security farms offer an opportunity to bridge the gap between incarceration and freedom, and an opportunity to develop specific programming for offenders with special needs, such as inmates with mental health issues, indigenous offenders, as well as youth. Revitalizing the farms offers an opportunity to introduce new and improved programming. Farms offer multipronged rehabilitation programs that include skills training leading to trade certificates, anger management, and soft skills such as communication and teamwork to prepare offenders for the workforce upon release.
Investing in the revitalization of Canada's prison farms is an opportunity to stop the revolving door of the justice system, corrections, community, and back to the justice system, a very costly cycle for taxpayers, and most importantly, for victims. I urge the finance committee to seize the opportunity and support the revitalization of the prison farms. Thank you.