The President of NAPE is coming down against recent comments from federal Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole suggesting that “criminals” not be given priority for COVID vaccines.

Jerry Earle says inmates in the corrections system are people too and are part of a vulnerable population.

He says the concern is not just with inmates, but with staff in corrections as well.

Earle says they are all in close quarters and if the virus gets into the prison population it can spread quickly.

He believes while inmates should be given priority, where they are ranked on that priority list should be considered. Earle suggests long-term care facilities and staff in health care settings should be highest on the list.