Canadian inmates to pay more for stay

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OTTAWA, May 9 (UPI) -- The Canadian government is increasing room and board fees it charges federal prison inmates, the national public safety minister said Wednesday.

Minister Vic Toews said the government will save up to $10 million a year with "tough on crime" practices in the prisons, the National Post reported.

Inmates are allowed to make a maximum of $69 per week working at various prison chores. Depending on their income, those earning the most will pay 30 percent of their pay.

Additionally, inmates will contribute more to covering telephone costs and lose incentive pay in rehabilitation programs, Toews said.

The minister also announced changes in television options for a prison in the 350-inmate, medium-security Springhill Institution in Nova Scotia.

"I recently discovered that some inmates had access to porn in prison on their TV's," he said. "I have put an end to this unacceptable practice."