Simon Says
Bringing clarity to the inner workings of our legal system
COVID-19: Legal Aid Ontario updates coverage for prisoner release remedies
Legal Aid Ontario recently announced changes to its funding for temporary absence applications for prisoners in federal and provincial institutions. The funding now applies to temporary absences or “other release remedies” that can address the increasingly dangerous conditions COVID-19 has…
COVID-19 and scheduling a habeas corpus application
Habeas corpus can be used to challenge a deprivation of liberty, and it requires that an application be brought in the Superior Court. COVID-19 presents unique challenges to anyone looking to bring such an application. In light of COVID-19, the…
COVID-19 and suspension of institutional programming
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Correctional Service Canada has been suspending programming in institutions across the country. Programming is meant to assist with the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners, and it’s important for lowering prisoners’ risk factors. Providing programming…
COVID-19 and Legal Aid Ontario funding for Temporary Absence Permit applications
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Legal Aid Ontario is now allowing lawyers to apply for funding for clients seeking Temporary Absence Permits (“TAPs”). TAPs enable inmates serving sentences of less than 2 years to be released into the community…
COVID-19 and day parole to a private residence
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s worth remembering that inmates can be granted day parole to a private residence. Under the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, the Parole Board of Canada can grant day parole to a penitentiary/jail, community-based residential facility,…