McLeod defends govt on ‘Circles’ sex offender program

NEWS/ POLITICS — Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod and Liberal MP Wayne Easter clashed in the House Monday over funding for a crime prevention program.

Easter asked why funding for the Circles of Support and Accountability program is being terminated next March, saying Conservative promises that the program has the government’s support “ring hollow.”

COSA is a not-for-profit restorative justice program in which volunteers offer support to sex offenders as they reintegrate into society after release from prison.

McLeod, who serves as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and for Western Economic Diversification, replied that the Correctional Service of Canada has restored full funding to previously existing agreements with COSA.

“When it comes to protecting the safety of our streets, communities and children, the government has adopted more measures than any previous government,” she said.

“Through the 2011 Safe Streets and Communities Act, we have increased the protection of children and youth from sexual predators, ended house arrest, eliminated pardons for serious crimes and have increased offender accountability.”

She said the Conservatives have also recently introduced legislation to strengthen the sex offender registry to prevent sexual exploitation online, and on crime prevention measures.

COSA, which has received $2.2 million a year, was originally to be cut by $560,000 in March this year with the rest eliminated by September.

But Easter said despite temporary restoration the problem is that the funding ends March 31 next year.

“That is just restoring temporary funding and letting a program drop that is in fact successful and seen as a model around the world in reducing recidivism for serious sexual offences. That kind of program is making streets safer.”

He said the government should restore funding long-term rather than taking “halfway measures.”

McLeod said that while COSA sites have had their full funding reinstated, the effectiveness of the program will be evaluated. That evaluation is due this fall.

One previous evaluation of COSA indicated it can reduce repeat sexual offenses by 83 per cent, and violent reoffences by 73 per cent.

The organization has chapters in most provinces, including B.C.