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OTTAWA - Canada is scrapping a pilot programme that provided tattoos for prisoners in an effort to stop the spread of diseases such as hepatitis and Aids, Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day said today.
The programme, set up by the previous Liberal government, offered free tattoos to prisoners in six of Canada's 58 federal prisons. The Liberals lost in January to the right-wing Conservatives, who promised to crack down on crime.
"Our government will not spend taxpayers' money on providing tattoos for convicted criminals," Day said in a statement.
"Our priority is to have an effective federal corrections system that protects Canadians, while providing inmates with access to acceptable health care and treatment programs."
Day said this included programs to immunise inmates against hepatitis A and B, voluntary screening for early detection and treatment of infection, and courses to inform prisoners about the dangers of illegal tattoos.
- REUTERS
