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“Our primary focus for those affected today is ensuring our members can find employment within the government. Our members, their families, and many others in Portage, are justifiably worried about what this closure will mean for them and their community." Kyle Ross, MGEU President
Winnipeg (30 March 2022) — On March 24, the Manitoba government announced it will be closing the Agassiz Youth Centre (AYC) on July 22, 2022.
No consultation on closure of good jobs in the community
Similar to the government’s closure of the Dauphin Correctional Centre in 2020, government officials did not consult with AYC employees, or the union that represents them — the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) — about the effects of this decision prior to the announcement.
Kyle Ross, MGEU President, said he is concerned by the overall lack of consultation, as well as the closure’s impact on the community, with another hundred family-supporting jobs soon to be eliminated in Portage la Prairie.
“Our primary focus for those affected today is ensuring our members can find employment within the government. Our members, their families, and many others in Portage, are justifiably worried about what this closure will mean for them and their community," said Ross.
Portage la Prairie has already suffered hits to its economy; new job losses not welcome
With the government winding down operations at the Manitoba Developmental Centre, Ross says the AYC announcement is yet another blow to the Portage la Prairie economy. And while the government claims in its news release to be shifting to "greater community intervention and youth supports," Ross notes that in recent years there have been few meaningful investments by this government in public services aimed at reducing recidivism or preventing youth from ending up in the justice system.
“We, along with all Manitobans, are eager to hear more about their plan to help keep youth out of the justice system, because we need additional community-based supports now more than ever. In the meantime, we will be holding them to their commitment to help match employees in Portage with available work at other correctional facilities.”