Hay River (Jan 24/05) - Justice Minister Charles Dent says a request for proposals for youth justice homes is unrelated to the upcoming closure of the Dene K'onia Young Offenders Facility in Hay River.

The minister says the contracts for seven homes and camps expire at the end of March. These facilities are used to house youths awaiting trial or those who have been sentenced to open custody.

However, Kelvin Yee, regional vice-president of the Union of Northern Workers, says something isn't right.

"If they're making cuts elsewhere, why not make cuts there?" Yee said, adding the money saved could be used to help keep Dene K'onia open.

The union official describes the timing of the proposal call as "pretty lousy" and said he would like the minister to come to Hay River and explain it to Dene K'onia employees. There are 15.5 full-time equivalent positions at Dene K'onia, plus casuals.

The Department of Justice advertised for interest in operating the private homes and camps earlier this month.

They are looking for providers in the Beaufort-Delta, Deh Cho, North Slave, Sahtu and South Slave.

"It's a bit unfortunate, the timing," says Dent, adding that "this isn't looking for a whole bunch of new spots for the ones we're losing."

Dent could offer no estimate on the cost of the program, noting that the homes/camps are paid on a per diem basis when young offenders use the facilities.

In November the Department of Justice announced a number of cost-savings cuts, including the closure of Dene K'onia this April. Three camps and four homes, which have some camp programming, are currently under contract.

The deadline for proposals is Feb. 4.