Mr. Speaker, it was my impression when the management talked with the staff at River Ridge that there was some initial concern, but that they have since come to view it as a challenge and are taking a positive approach to meeting the challenge. For instance, they have asked that we arrange for the staff of River Ridge to attend a young offenders' facility in Strathmore, Alberta that is considered a triple designated facility, to meet with the staff and to see how a facility which has a triple designation operates. They would actually see one that is working. It is my view that the union member who attended the meeting in the presence of my staff

and the staff at River Ridge was of the view that this was the proper course to go to ensure there is stability for the employees at River Ridge, that there is good utilization of the staff there and that the government's attempt to maximize the use of the facility and staff there is a good objective. That was the impression I had, but people, in taking a public stance, at times do not always say what they say privately. So, it is my view that if the members carried on a good discussion with the staff and the union that many of these letters would take on a different tone altogether. Thank you.