Federal government creates panel to look into reopening prison farms in Kingston, Ont

OTTAWA – The federal government is setting up an advisory panel to look at the possibility of reopening prison farms in Kingston, Ont., that were closed by the former Conservative government.

The seven-member panel announced Thursday will provide advice on the merits of reopening farms at Collins Bay and Joyceville Institutions.

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The panel members include farmers, inmate advocates and a school trustee.

READ MORE: Public supports reopening prison farms, government consultation finds

The governing Liberals launched a feasibility study last June to review the closures.

The minister responsible for the federal prison system, Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, says he hopes the advisory panel will help determine the best way ahead for re-establishing the prison farms.

The Conservatives closed the two Kingston farms in 2010 along with prison farms in New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.