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June 3, 2005 (Montreal)

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Quebec, which manages the Thérèse-Casgrain halfway house in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, wishes to confirm that it will not be providing housing to Karla Homolka when she is released at the end of her sentence in early July 2005.

Despite numerous statements to the contrary, it was never intended for Ms. Homolka to reside at the Maison Thérèse-Casgrain or in the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighborhood, stated Ruth Gagnon, Executive Director of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Quebec, today.

"The Elizabeth Fry Society, whose mission is to help and support criminalized and incarcerated women, offers its services to Ms. Homolka on a voluntary basis. In the current context, and given the intense media attention, housing at the halfway house in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce would not be the best way to assist her."

"We seek to provide our clients with the best means to successfully achieve their social reintegration. We will offer our services to Ms. Homolka in other ways. All ex-inmates who are motivated to undertake positive social reintegration are entitled to our services in complete confidentiality."

"We are following with interest the judicial proceedings taking place before the court in Joliette. Whatever the decision, we will respect it. To allow us to focus on our work with women, the Elizabeth Fry Society of Quebec will make no further statements on this matter."

"Finally, it should be noted that Ms. Homolka is represented in court by a private practice lawyer. Her services have not been retained and will not be paid for by the Elizabeth Fry Society."

Managed by the Elizabeth Fry Society of Quebec, the Maison Thérèse-Casgrain offers housing to criminalized women for stays ranging from a few weeks to several years. It can accommodate more than 25 women at a time and also offers a mother-child cohabitation program for those who are eligible. The staff and volunteers of the establishment offer a range of measures and programs to help women reintegrate into society, including assistance in obtaining vocational training, finding employment, or returning to school.

Source:

Ruth Gagnon Elizabeth Fry Society of Quebec (514) 489-2116