No working rink at prison where MP says notorious inmates play pickup hockey: agency

Personally, I don't understand why the concept of a prisoner getting some exercise is even a big deal at all.

The only issue I could see with hockey is that they're giving the inmates extremely sharp blades with their skates. But as we all see it's a Conservative MP so it's always lies after lies.

Tom Engel, president of the Canadian Prison Law Association, said he was “taken aback” by Caputo’s description and questioned whether Bernardo’s privacy rights were violated. The correctional service said in a statement Tuesday that Caputo’s “right to access any part of La Macaza was subject only to such reasonable limits as are prescribed for protecting the security of the penitentiary or the safety of persons.”

The agency added: “This part of the (law) promotes transparency of the correctional system by allowing parliamentarians and others to see how penitentiaries operate and examine living conditions.”

Engel said in an interview Monday that he had never heard of an MP going into a prisoner’s cell and looking around. “I can’t imagine too many prisoners who would say, ‘Yeah sure, come in, especially when I’m not there.'”

It sounds like this Conservative MP was fascinated by Bernardo and had to go snooping around the inmate's cell - only to add personal commentary, not so much for the purposes Engel describes in the quote above as reasonable limits.

This is unbecoming of a Member of Parliament - but, you know: Caputo is a conservative. It's interesting to note that this MP had this to offer of the experience on his social media platform:

Caputo said in the social media video that he asked permission to enter Bernardo’s cell and while inside observed objects like margarine containers drying on a top bunk, mint chocolate bars and an electric razor, which he asked if the inmate had purchased.

Somehow this MP felt this analysis was essential. This serves to remind me that conservatives just waste time and push garbage policies for the sake of political points.

The article then quotes Caputo railing angrily:

“Inmates can go and they can get skates and they can play hockey,” he railed.

As if it's wrong for inmates to play hockey. Let them have their exercise and sports - as long as they participate within the facility.

The article points out that inmate exercise is important:

“It should also be noted that opportunities to participate in recreational activities is not unique to La Macaza, and can be found in other institutions.”

Providing inmates with access to recreational activities “promotes safer institutions for those who live and work in our facilities,” by having their time spent “in a productive, controlled and healthy manner,” Antonucci said.

I believe the rink should be repaired so that inmates can have their exercise - and that Caputo should do his job as a Member of Parliament, instead of posting fear-mongering content on social media.