Simon Says
Bringing clarity to the inner workings of our legal system
Do prisoners in provincial jails receive security classifications?
In the federal correctional system, each prisoner receives a security classification (minimum, medium, or maximum). Legislation and regulations set out how security classifications are assigned, and the exact criteria is set out in the Commissioner’s Directives. The criteria that are used to…
What items are federal prisoners allowed to have?
The property that a prisoner is allowed to have in their cell depends on the prisoner’s gender and security level. The National Lists of Personal Property for Men/Women Inmates sets out which items prisoners are allowed to have in their cells,…
Are provincial prisoners released immediately when granted parole?
Provincial prisoners who are granted parole by the Ontario Parole Board are generally not released immediately. A parole hearing may be held prior to the prisoner’s parole eligibility date. If the prisoner is granted parole, then the Ontario Parole Board…
What information does the Ontario Parole Board consider?
The Ontario Parole Board is required to consider all relevant information that is reliable and persuasive. The Board can receive information from a range of sources, including correctional staff, the prisoner seeking parole (including the prisoner’s friends and family), victims,…
Can provincial prisoners be required to complete substance testing?
Prisoners in provincial correctional facilities may receive a demand to complete substance testing (to test for evidence of alcohol or other substances). However, demands can only be made in certain circumstances: If the director or superintendent of the provincial correctional…