The federal government announced its plan to vaccinate 600 elderly and vulnerable federal prisoners. The Correctional Service of Canada has begun vaccinating prisoners, which is an important step to help control the spread of COVID-19, both in prisons and the community at large. While the government's announcement has not been without controversy, there are a number of reasons why it is important to vaccinate prisoners: Prisons are at higher...
If a federal prisoner on parole or statutory release is suspended, the prisoner will be taken into custody. If the suspension isn't cancelled by Correctional Service Canada, then the prisoner will have a post-suspension hearing before the Parole Board of Canada. The Board will either cancel the suspension (and release the prisoner back on parole or statutory release) or revoke the prisoner's release. A hearing must be held within 9o days of the...
In response to outbreaks of COVID-19 in prisons, Correctional Service Canada has suspended in-person visits in many areas. That said, friends and family still have other ways of contacting prisoners: Mail. As a precaution, mail is generally being quarantined for 72 hours before being delivered to prisoners. This means it may take longer than unusual for mail to reach prisoners. Before including anything in an envelope (other than a letter),...
In addition to placing prisoners in medical isolation, wardens in federal institutions also have the authority to implement a modified routine for health purposes. Modified routines are implemented to restrict movement within part of or an entire prison to contain the spread of COVID-19 and manage it. The decision to implement a modified routine is to be reviewed at least weekly to ensure it is for the shortest amount of time required. If a...
When a prisoner is entitled to make representations (for example, following an involuntary transfer or segregation placement), the prisoner is entitled to all information considered in making the decision. This is to allow the prisoner to make meaningful submissions to the decision-maker. However, there is an exception. Correctional Service Canada can refuse to disclose information when it would jeopardize the safety of any person, the security...
In general, Correctional Service Canada is required to respect the privacy of prisoners and not disclose information without consent. However, information can be shared in certain circumstances, particularly when it comes to victims. CSC will provide victims with certain information, if requested. This includes the prisoner's name, the offence the prisoner was convicted of, the length of the prisoner's sentence, and eligibility dates and review...
Prisoners can appeal decisions of the Parole Board of Canada to the Appeal Division. In addition to appealing a denial of parole, prisoners can also appeal the conditions imposed on parole or statutory release. Prisoners need to submit their appeals within two months from the hearing date (due to COVID-19, this time frame has temporarily been extended). Appeals that are submitted late will only be accepted at the discretion of the...
There are court filing fees that prisoners should be aware of before bringing applications in court. In the Federal Court, it costs $50 to have a notice of application issued. There are additional fees for setting hearing dates, bringing a motion to extend the time to file, etc. In the Superior Court of Justice, there may be a filing fees as well. For example, if a habeas corpus application is brought under the civil registry, then the civil...
COVID-19 has impacted Correctional Service Canada's visiting procedures. Below are a few points to remember before visiting: Not all prisons are allowing visits. Depending on local transmission, some institutions may not be allowing visitors. Check online to see whether the prison you plan to visit is allowing visitors. Prisons may be put on lock down at any time, so check before leaving home. Visits need to be booked in advance. Generally, they...
Parole officers must do case preparation for all prisoners going for parole. This requires the parole officer to complete paperwork for the parole hearing, such as an Assessment for Decision, Correctional Plan, etc. This paperwork is generally ready for the hearing, but sometimes it isn't. If it isn't ready, prisoners may be asked by their parole officer if they want to postpone. If the prisoner doesn't want to postpone, the Parole Board of...
