The march and rally hosted by the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union saw about 350 people rally in support of those affected by the closure of the Dauphin Correctional Centre.
The march started at 4:30 with chants of “Without the Dauphin jail, our economy will fail,” “Save our jobs, save our jail,” and “Don’t close it down, don’t kill our town.”
Speakers included jail and MGEU representatives, NDP Leader Wab Kinew, Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont, and chiefs Eugene Eastman of O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation, Cameron Catcheway of Skownan First Nation, and Barry McKay of Tootinaowaziibeeng.
Dauphin MLA Brad Michaleski was invited to attend but didn’t show up, prompting “Where is Brad?” chants.
MGEU President, Michelle Gawronsky, has a message for the provincial government.
“Pay attention to the people, listen to the people of this community, listen to the inmates, their families, and listen to the correctional officers. Pay attention, keep this jail open, build a new one and let’s move on with life in a productive way that’s going to keep the economy of Dauphin going.”
Kinew says it was a very strong show of support from the community.
“It’s very clear that Dauphin and the surrounding region, including the indigenous communities who were represented, are all opposed to this move and want the jobs to stay in Dauphin.”
During Kinew’s speech, he said the jail closing isn’t Michaleski’s fault.
“While I’m talking about Brad, let me say this. That side, the Conservative side, will not let him stand up for you, the people of Dauphin. (Crowd chants shame) But we would. (Crowd cheers) If he was on our side he would be free to stand up and give voice to the people of Dauphin and most importantly, to fight for your jobs and fight for your community.”
Lamont says he saw a bigger round of support compared to the town hall meeting.
“I’ve rarely ever seen this level of unity and people coming together from every single walk of life. They’re even talking about how the inmates themselves are concerned about this, their families. This is a government that doesn’t need to do this, the money is there to build a new facility.”
For more photos and videos from the march and rally, check out 730 CKDM on Facebook.
