Ultimately, the Parole Board of Canada decides whether federal inmates get parole, but others provide recommendations to help the Board. These include:

1. Community Assessment Team (CAT). This typically consists of individuals like parole officers, police officers, community representatives, halfway house representatives, and/or mental health professionals.

2. Case Management Team (CMT). This typically consists of a parole officer, Correctional Officer II or Primary Worker and Manager, Assessment and Intervention, and it may also include other members like a Correctional Manager, psychologist, Program Officer, Aboriginal Liaison Officer, and/or Security Intelligence Officer.

After an inmate has applied for parole, each meets to discuss the inmate’s file and release plan, and they then decide whether or not to support the inmate’s release. Parole or statutory release conditions may also be recommended. Even if an inmate is not supported by their CAT and/or CMT, the Board may still grant parole.

Speak to a lawyer if you need advice about how particular recommendations will affect an inmate’s chances of being granted parole.

 

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