Mr. Speaker, Kingston Penitentiary opened 32 years before Confederation in 1835. After 178 years of continuous operation, the Pen, or “KP”, as this national historic site is locally known, officially closed on September 30.
I want to recognize the generations of Kingstonians who have worked at KP. They held the often stressful jobs of running the prison or serving as guards, doctors, nurses, teachers, counsellors or chaplains. May their work be remembered and their legacy be preserved.
I also want to honour all of the staff and leadership of the Correctional Service Canada Ontario Region, including the members of the Union of Solicitor General Employees, and the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers who, under difficult circumstances, executed and continued to manage the regional effects of this closure.
Finally, let us remember those offenders at KP who did turn their lives around; there is no achievement more worthy of our joy.