Prison farms move another step forward

The federal government is setting up an advisory panel that seems to be moving closer to re-opening six prison farms that were closed by the Stephen Harper’s Conservative government.

That includes two near Kingston – Joyceville and Collins Bay.

Cabinet minister Ralph Goodale announced the appointment of seven people to the panel on Thursday.

The panel members include farmers, inmate advocates and a school trustee.

The governing Liberals launched a feasibility study last June to review the closures.

Goodale said he hopes the advisory panel will help determine the best way ahead for re-establishing the prison farms.