Tuesday's federal budget earmarked $4.3 million over
five years to reopen two shuttered prison farms that operated near Kingston,
Ont. before their closure in 2010.
The Joyceville and Collins Bay farms were among six
that were shut down when the then-Conservative government concluded they were
unprofitable and ineffective.
But prisoners who worked at the farms said they were
helped to reform.
And a group of people formed a co-operative to keep
the dairy herd going.
"It's been nine-plus years of lobbying,
campaigning, driving the country," said Jeff Peters, chairman of the Pen
Farm Herd Co-Op. "Finally, we're getting close. We're only on third base,
this has been a long, long game, but we're heading for home."
Peters was an early crusader for the farms, which had
operated in Canada since the 1880s until they were axed during Stephen Harper's
tenure as prime minister.
At that time, the Conservative government argued the
farms consumed more money than they made while conferring minimal benefit on
the prisoners.
Advocates said they hope the newly announced funds
from today's government will allow for a more comprehensive program that
includes research as well as farming.
Peters said that while the land at the Collins Bay and
Joyceville farms is still in good condition, the animals would benefit from
more spacious, modern barns that will allow for more movement and provide safer
shelter.
"The cows have become bigger in the genetics and
so on," he said. "There's just better ways to keep animals
happy."
