OTTAWA -- High-risk offenders in Ontario and Quebec are among the inmates slated to take part in a federal prison service pilot project to test the effectiveness of electronic monitoring devices.

Research data will be collected for two years, when a decision will be made on further use of the devices, which are worn by offenders completing sentences in the community.

The Canadian Press obtained internal memos about the planned pilot project under the Access to Information Act.

Correctional Service spokeswoman Veronique Rioux says the project was originally scheduled to begin last spring, but no bids from potential service providers met the requirements.

She says the prison remains committed to the project.

The government announced plans for the pilot last year despite opposition from the NDP, which questioned the cost.