Saskatchewan looks at privatizing food services at provincial prisons

REGINA – The Saskatchewan government is looking at possibly privatizing food services at provincial prisons.

The province made the announcement Tuesday morning after reports surfaced staff had received layoff notices.

Government officials say no one has been laid off and corrections is looking at options to see if there is interest among suppliers to provide food services in the facilities.

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The next step in the process will be to issue a request for proposal to see if there is interest to provide the service to the correctional centres, including those in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert.

The move comes after a review concluded direct delivery of food services is not a core function of the Ministry of Corrections.

Staff have been informed of the possibility of privatization and correction officials say they will work with the union and those affected, including transition planning and other opportunities.

A total of 62 positions could be impacted by the move and officials say there will be no changes or impacts to facilities prior to this fall.