August 5, 2010 - our letter to Mr. Scott Reid our MP

Dear Mr Reid

Your recent customer satisfaction survey - came at a very poor time.  You mailed directly to my name - asking if I am happy -and the short answer is "I AM NOT HAPPY"!!  If your staff would recall why my name is likely on your mailing list it is because of the prison farm issue.  My husband and I have called and emailed and have written letters to you about our concern.  Your little survey shows absolutely no respect to those of us telling you the closure of the prison farms is IMPORTANT to us, because you failed to mention this item on the survey. 

Tell me how can you ignore us - you must realize that this will cost you - I strongly doubt you will be reelected - certainly we will not be your supporters.  You should have attended the meetings you were invited to.  You should have cared enough to learn why so many people with varied backgrounds believe this is wrong.

• The Conservative government insulted farmers by the declaration there is no value in the skills needed in farming.  You suggest that those released will never work on a farm - that may be true, but how many courses did you take at high school, college or university that now do not apply to what you do currently? I don't use Latin in my day to day life, but the knowledge learned has helped in my careers. 
• You will never save $4M because the cost to out-source to a middle man will quickly lose any possible chance of saving dollars.  Why should the prison not work to help feed themselves?  Have you not paid any attention to the MERX tender for milk for three prisons - close to $1M - I can not fathom how the government cannot do the math and see this will cost - what a thoughtless argument and shame on everyone for thinking we are so foolish to believe that $4M will be saved - yet millions can be spent on small ferry port in BC that will never see much use... and the list could go on.
• Why would you not want to jump on the "green bandwagon"?  Use these farms to partner with local communities and all levels of government - be a showcase of how new programs can make Canadian farms be more efficient and support local food movements.
• Take the opportunity to make this a demonstration place for cities and city children to learn that milk comes from cows, as does beef, eggs from chickens etc.  Viewing areas could be created, so schools could learn what farms provide and why farms are still needed to feed people.
• The loss of business dollars to our Kingston community is huge - have you forgotten how widespread agri-business and the off shoots are in a community?  I stand to lose my suppliers because they will be losing a large portion of their customer base.
• I have not mentioned the rehabilitative impact - this is supposed to be a corrections service, not just a punishment system - pay attention to the re-offend rates - you apparently will be surprised to discover that the people who work on the farms learn the value of work, and responsibility to other living things. Empathy is critical to help people stand in some one else's shoes.
• This land is the best in the area - it should never be lost as farmland - we want our government to stop the loss of farmland - where or when will there ever be a chance to have prime farmland in the middle of a city?  In the future the food will have to be sourced closer to the people - this land is prime agricultural and should remain as agricultural.
• Not to mention that fact a green space is good for everyone including the chemical plant that is nearby and therefore the farmland provides a buffer zone.

Mr. Reid - please step up to the plate and listen to your constituents - act now to encourage the Prime Minister and Mr Toews to stop this foolish plan.

sincerely
Janet L Creasy