Simon Says
Bringing clarity to the inner workings of our legal system
COVID-19 and Parole Board of Canada policy changes
In response to COVID-19, the Parole Board of Canada has adopted some interim measures. Many of the changes are simply procedural. Hearings are now conducted via videoconference or teleconference, observers are not allowed to attend (except for victims), and lawyers…
COVID-19 and medical unescorted temporary absences
Unlike in the provincial correctional system, there haven’t been any substantial changes in the federal correctional system to help decarcerate prisons and slow the spread of COVID-19. However, there are still mechanisms in place that could be used to get…
"Out of prison, but then where? Canada’s halfway houses brace for COVID-19 releases with fewer beds and uncertainty"
On April 20, 2020, Simon Borys was quoted in The Star on how COVID-19 is impacting the availability of beds in halfway houses, see story here. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and outcomes will vary according to…
COVID-19 and delays in transferring prisoners to federal institutions
Because of COVID-19, prisoners may experience delays being transferred to federal institutions. Offenders who are sentenced to 2 years or more are supposed to serve their sentences in federal institutions. Generally, prisoners with federal sentences are supposed to be held…
COVID-19 and cancellation of leave privileges
Prisoners, parolees, and those under long-term supervision orders residing at Community Correctional Centers (“CCCs”) and Community Residential Facilities (“CRF”) have been seeing their leave privileges cancelled in light of COVID-19. Correctional Service Canada appears to be directing (at least some)…