REGINA – A local branch of a program that helps reintegrate sex offenders into society is at risk of shutting down following funding cuts by the federal government.
The program will no longer receive about $50,000 from Correctional Service Canada (CSC) per year.
The department could not accommodate an interview request on Tuesday but did provide an emailed statement.
“A significant portion of CoSA activity is directed to individuals who have passed their warrant expiry date, which falls outside of CSC’s formal mandate,” it read, adding that a “rigorous budget and program analysis” of the program was conducted.
Research from the department showed a “50% decrease of re-offending for offenders in a CoSA.”
According to Driedger, over 30 people have been helped so far at the Regina branch, and only one member is known to have reoffended.
“Our basic budget in order to function properly is just over $100,000,” which is a similar cost to lodge someone in federal prison each year, he noted.
Driedger is looking into asking the city and province for funding. He estimated the program can operate for another year before the service is significantly diminished and will need to be fully volunteer-run.
Last year, Global News interviewed “Tom”, a registered sex offender from the program.
He was interviewed on Tuesday and agreed to reveal his name.
“Whether you’re addicted to peanuts or you’re addicted to coke or, you know, it’s an addiction,” said George, who used to live in Manitoba.
The 56-year-old said he was incarcerated for two decades after attempting to sexually assault a family member, before slitting her throat and abandoning her.
He also previously sexually assaulted a senior, and was charged with armed robbery twice.
He said he was disowned by his friends and family, adding that if it weren’t for Driedger and the program, “I probably would have reoffended.”
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