New health facility in N.B. for federal inmates one step closer to reality

A new facility that will provide health care to inmates is one step closer to becoming a reality in Dorchester, N.B.

The proposed new and secure facility, called Health Centre of Excellence, will help Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) provide a broad spectrum of health-care services to incarcerated individuals. The building would be built on existing property where CSC is custodian, beside the Dorchester Penitentiary.

The proposed health facility will offer bilingual health services for federal offenders across Canada, including those with mobility issues and aging offenders who require access to 24-hour care.

"Rehabilitation is at the core of our mandate, including providing health care to federal inmates. The Health Centre of Excellence will transform and improve the way we provide health services, all while leading to better public safety outcomes,” said Anne Kelly with CSC.

Request for qualifications

As part of the request for qualifications process, respondents were required to demonstrate their capacity to work with Public Services and Procurement Canada to create mutually beneficial, socio-economic development opportunities for Indigenous peoples.

"The Health Centre of Excellence will be pivotal in addressing the health needs of federal offenders, including mental health care. When the health needs of offenders are properly considered, it creates a safer working environment for correctional staff, and it improves the offender's chance of being successfully reintegrated into society,” said Dominic LeBlanc, minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs.

“I'm thrilled that our community will welcome such a modern and forward-thinking facility. It's an investment that will pay major public safety dividends for decades to come."

LeBlanc announced Thursday a public advisory group is being created and CSC is seeking participation from organizations and individuals with diverse areas of experience to share knowledge and expertise to help advise the project.

The group will help facilitate an open dialogue, gather community feedback, and advise on key aspects throughout the planning process.

Request for proposals

The project team will start commercial consultations with the three potential bidders in January 2025, with a focus on launching the request for proposal the following month.

Following the launch, the next phase will be to initiate working towards a final design and construction implementation.

The CSC says it will also continue to engage Indigenous Rightsholders and Stewards of Land, as well as stakeholders, including local residents and members of the Dorchester community.

In February 2019, LeBlanc announced the CSC was proceeding with plans to build the health centre in Dorchester.

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