NDP: Ford stands by while Kerzner hides from responsibility and makes Ontario less safe

QUEEN’S PARK — Ontario NDP Shadow Solicitor General Jennie Stevens (St. Catharines), and Shadow Attorney General Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto Centre) say it’s time for Doug Ford to tell Solicitor General Michael Kerzner to stop dodging questions, and start taking accountability for the state of Ontario’s jails:

“This has gone on long enough,” said Stevens. “The Solicitor General is ducking for cover, refusing to answer questions from the media while Ontario’s jails crumble. From the Maplehurst incident alone, accused murderers, armed robbers, convicted human traffickers and sexual predators are just some of the people who will be going back on the streets sooner because of Solicitor General Kerzner’s incompetence.

“Ontario’s jails are in crisis. Workers are overwhelmed in overcrowded facilities, leading to unsafe conditions for both them and inmates. In its current state, the system is working for no one. If the Solicitor General isn’t capable of fixing it, then the Premier needs to step in and find someone who will."

“Ontario’s jails are in an unacceptable state,” said Wong-Tam. “Solicitor General Kerzner has created an environment in which both workers and inmates are at risk, making our communities less safe when charges are thrown out, or sentences are shortened due to conditions inside.

“This is a full-blown crisis, but you wouldn’t know it by listening to the Ford government. Premier Doug Ford has failed to get smart on crime. Ford seems content to let his Solicitor General run our province’s jails into the ground, while he hides from the media and his opposition critics. Ontario needs a government with solutions to this problem that will keep our communities safe. It’s time for the Solicitor General to face the music.”