There is just a glimmer of hope, that the Ontario Liberals might reconsider their plan to close the Owen Sound, Walkerton and Sarnia jails.
Close to 80 OPSEU members and supporters went to Queen’s Park to push the government on it’s plan.
They want a detailed break-down on the savings the government claims it will see, and asked for a delay in a final decision until after the October 6th fall election.
Owen Sound Mayor Deb Haswell admits she is less optimistic than she was going into the rally on Tuesday.
Haswell says they had plenty of support from the Opposition parties, but nothing seemed to change on the governments’ side.
A number of Toronto and national media were at the rally at the legislature, and jail supporters believe the news coverage could press the McGuinty government to re-think the plan.
Both Mayor Haswell and OPSEU local 224 President Paul Johnstone were pleased to have a private meeting with Corrections Minister Jim Bradley.
Johnstone says Bruce Grey Owen Sound MPP Bill Murdoch encouraged Bradley to stand-up to his own government and tell Dalton McGuinty the jail closures make on sense.
Bradley nodded and smiled but didn’t offer to take up Murdoch’s idea.
Jim Bradley did say he would take their concerns and questions back to the Liberal caucus.
That was about the only positive according to Paul Johnstone, as time is running out on the issue.
The Ontario Legislature rises for the summer on Thursday and won’t return before the fall vote.
