Prisoner Tattoo Program, A Happy Ending

Ending Prisoner Tattoo Program the Right Move
Federation Fought to End Taxpayer-funded Tattooing of Inmates

Ottawa: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) reacted to Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day’s announcement this morning that the Correctional Service of Canada’s tattooing program for federal inmates has been terminated.

The CTF fought to end the waste of taxpayers’ money on Ottawa’s tattooing pilot program for prisoners – releasing the following “Let’s Talk Taxes” commentary on July 20, 2006: http://www.taxpayer.com/main/news.php?news_id=2337

The program cost the taxpayers of Canada $350,000 in start up costs and another $600,000 in annual operating costs at six prisons. The CTF estimates the annual cost to taxpayers to expand the program to all 58 federal correctional facilities at $5.8-million, plus $2.6-million in one-time startup costs.

“It just doesn’t make sense that people who commit crimes, in some cases violent crimes, are treated to a buffet of free tattoos when sent to prison,” says CTF federal director John Williamson. “This program is a prime example of goofy government spending and Minister Day did the right thing today by terminating it.”

“The CTF was encouraged to note the Conservative government listened by ending the prisoner tattoo program,” concluded Williamson. “We expect Finance Minister Jim Flaherty to follow Mr. Day’s initiative and reduce spending elsewhere. In last month’s fiscal update, Mr. Flaherty reported program spending is set to rise by 7.1 per cent this year, which is well above the Conservative’s own target to keep spending below the economic growth rate. Government spending is already off target and this does not bode well for broad-based income tax relief.”

John Williamson
Federal Director
Canadian Taxpayers Federation