Appearance of the Correctional Service of Canada before the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU): February 27, 2020

Table of Contents

2019-2020 Supplementary Estimates (B)

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1. Key Facts and Figures

Financial Snapshot

Annual Budget

Cost Structure and Constraints

The Offender Population

At the mid-year of fiscal year 2019-2020, CSC was responsible for 23,397 offenders: 13,957 were in custody and 9,440 were supervised in the community. Of the offenders in the community, offenders on day parole represented 17.9%; offenders on full parole represented 47.4%; offenders on statutory release represented 29.9%; and offenders with long-term supervision orders represented 4.8%.

Operational Environment

CSC is responsible nationally for the management of 43 institutions (six maximum security, nine medium security, five minimum security, 12 multilevel security and 11 clustered institutions), 14 community correctional centres and 92 parole offices and sub-parole offices. CSC is also responsible for managing four healing lodges (included in the 43 institutions) and works in partnership with Indigenous communities to support the reintegration of Indigenous offenders back into the community.

CSC Workforce

CSC employs approximately 18,000 staff from a vast number of fields. As of February 2020, CSC’s front-line staff workforce included:

CSC Results

2. Transforming Federal Corrections (Bill C-83)

2.1 Bill C-83

Issue: On October 16, 2018, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-83, An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act and another Act. It received Royal Assent on June 21, 2019 and provisions came into force on November 30, 2019 to eliminate administrative and disciplinary segregation and to implement a new correctional interventions model. The reforms in C-83 also strengthen health care governance; better support victims in the criminal justice system; and consider the specific needs of Indigenous offenders.

Speaking Points

Financial Implications

Overview

Commissioner’s Directive or Legislation

2.2 Structured Intervention Units

Issue: The Correctional Service of Canada ended the use of administrative and disciplinary segregation and introduced a new correctional model including the use of Structured Intervention Units (SIUs) on November 30, 2019.

Speaking Points

Overview

Commissioner’s Directive or Legislation

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

2.3 Enhancements to Health Services

Issue: As part of the new correctional model, the Correctional Service of Canada has invested in enhancements to health services so that inmates in Structured Intervention Units will receive appropriate and timely treatment

Overview

Commissioner’s Directive or Legislation

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

2.4 Body Scanners

Issue: The Correctional Service of Canada is reviewing the use of body scanners that will permit the identification of contraband on or within persons. Body scanners can also be used as an alternative to strip searches.

Overview

Commissioner’s Directive or Legislation

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

3. Indigenous Offenders

3.1 Overrepresentation of Indigenous Offenders

Issue: The Correctional Service of Canada is continually working to respond to the overrepresentation of Indigenous population in custody.

Speaking Points

Overview

Commissioner’s Directive or Legislation

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

3.2 Programming

Issue: The Correctional Service of Canada is looking for ways to reduce the waiting period for culturally appropriate programs for Indigenous offenders.

Overview

Commissioner’s Directive or Legislation

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

3.3 Indigenous Offender Employment Initiative

Issue: In collaboration with partners, the Correctional Service of Canada is working to develop and enhance training opportunities for Indigenous offenders to ensure their safe and successful reintegration into the community.

Overview

Commissioner’s Directive or Legislation

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

3.4 Healing Lodges

Issue: Healing Lodges offer services and programs that reflect Indigenous culture in an environment that incorporates Indigenous peoples’ traditions and beliefs.

Overview

Commissioner’s Directive or Legislation

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

4. Health Services

4.1 Harm Reduction Measures (Drug Strategy - PNEP - OPS)

Issue: Consistent with the Canadian Drug and Substances Strategy, the Correctional Service of Canada has a suite of harm reduction measures and health services to support the health needs of federal offenders throughout incarceration and when reintegrating into the community.

Speaking Points

Overview

Commissioner’s Directive or Legislation

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

4.2 Mental Health and Section 29 of the CCRA

Issue: The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) provides every inmate with essential health care and reasonable access to non-essential health care. For offenders in the community, provincial governments are accountable for the provision of health care services.

Overview

Commissioner’s Directive or Legislation

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

4.3 Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Issue: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a medical condition that can affect offender care, custody and reintegration.

Overview

Commissioner’s Directive or Legislation

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

5. Security

5.1 Escapes and Offenders Unlawfully at Large

Issue: The Correctional Service of Canada has numerous measures in place to minimize the number of escapes from its institutions and works closely with the police in the event of an escape.

Speaking Points

Overview

* Escapes from Healing Lodges not operated by CSC are not included.

Commissioner’s Directive or Legislation

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

5.2 Classification and Transfers

Issue: The Correctional Service of Canada conducts a thorough evaluation of all offenders and places them in facilities appropriate to their security and program requirements.

Speaking Points

Overview

Commissioner’s Directive or Legislation

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

5.3 Drones

Issue: The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or “drones” are an evolving and increasingly complex issue for the Correctional Service of Canada.

Overview

Commissioner’s Directive or Legislation

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

5.4 Strip Searches (Women Offenders)

Issue: Alternatives to strip searches have been identified as being necessary for women offenders who have suffered trauma and abuse.

Overview

Commissioner’s Directive or Legislation

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

6. Vulnerable Populations

6.1 Offenders with Gender Considerations

Issue: The Correctional Service of Canada recognizes that a growing number of federal offenders may identify as transgender, and/or have gender-related accommodation needs.

Speaking Points

Overview

Commissioner’s Directive or Legislation

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

6.2 Black Offenders

Issue: The Correctional Service of Canada recognizes that the specific needs of ethnocultural offender populations, such as black offenders, is an emerging complex issue.

Speaking Points

Overview

Commissioner’s Directive or Legislation

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

6.3 Aging Offenders

Issue: Increasingly, the Correctional Service of Canada is dealing with an older population in federal custody.

Overview

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

7. Incident Management

7.1 Deaths in Custody

Issue: Reducing the number of deaths in custody, particularly non-natural deaths, is a fundamental priority of the Correctional Service of Canada.

Speaking Points

Overview

Commissioner’s Directive or Legislation

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

7.2 Use of Force

Issue: The Correctional Service of Canada has a framework that guides the management and control of situations in the correctional environment.

Speaking points

Overview

Commissioner’s Directive or Legislation

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

7.3 Board of Investigation

Issue: CSC has legislation and policies governing the review and investigation of deaths in custody as well as the investigation of other incidents involving offenders.

Overview

Commissioner’s Directive or Legislation

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

8. Workplace Wellness

8.1 OAG Audit of Respect in the Workplace

Issue: On February 18, 2020, the Auditor General of Canada is expected to table before Parliament an audit on Canada Border Services Agency’s and Correctional Service Canada’s efforts to promote and maintain respectful workplaces.

Speaking Points

Overview

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

8.2 Annual Report of the Office of the Correctional Investigator

Issue: The 2018-2019 Annual Report of the office of the Correctional Investigator was tabled in the House of Commons on February 18, 2020.

Speaking points

Overview

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

8.3 Respectful Workplace Campaign

Issue: In February 2018, CSC launched the Respectful Workplace Campaign. This Campaign involves various initiatives including awareness, promotion, education tools and the creation of vehicles to promote healthy and positive workplaces as well as to disclose inappropriate behavior.

Overview

Commissioner’s Directive or Legislation

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

8.4 Female Representation at Warden Positions

Issue: The Correctional Service of Canada is working to expand representation of women in the organization, including at the Warden position.

Overview

CSC’s Approach

Next Steps

8.5 Injury on Duty / Post Traumatic Stress Injuries - Frontline Staff

Issue: Due to the nature of the operational environment in which many frontline staff work, Correctional Service of Canada employees may witness stressful and traumatic events and may be more vulnerable to developing Post Traumatic Stress Injuries.

Overview

Commissioner’s Directive or Legislation

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

9. Victims of Crime

9.1 Victim Registration and Notification

Issue: The Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA) allows victims of crime to have access to information about the offender(s) who harmed them and to have the opportunity to provide information for consideration in decisions made by the Correctional Service of Canada regarding the management of the offender’s case.

Overview

Commissioner’s Directive or Legislation

CSC’s Approach

Next steps

Photo: Pam Damoff

Name:
Pam Damoff

Other Role(s):
Parl. Sec. Indigenous Services

Riding:
Oakville North - Burlington

Province:
Ontario

Preferred Language:
English

CSC Facilities in Riding:
Nil

Year First Elected:
2015

Past Profession:
Property Developer

Statements on the Issue:

  • Interest in improving Women Offender programing to ensure they have skills when released into the community
  • Criticized cuts to Community Correction Liaison Officer programs, done under the previous government.
  • Showed interest in studying how to improve the parole system.
  • Interested in studying gender-based violence.
Photo: Angelo Iacono

Name:
Angelo Iacono

Other Role(s):
Nil

Riding:
Alfred - Pellan

Province:
Quebec

Preferred Language:
French/English

CSC Facilities in Riding:
Federal Training Centre

Year First Elected:
2015

Past Profession:
Lawyer

Statements on the Issue:

  • Recently asked a question regarding COVID-19 measures in correctional institutions.
Photo: Kamal Khera

Name:
Kamal Khera

Other Role(s):
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development

Riding:
Brampton West

Province:
Ontario

Preferred Language:
English

CSC Facilities in Riding:
Nil

Year First Elected:
2015

Past Profession:
Former registered nurse

Statements on the Issue:

  • Supported the appointment process of PBC members.
Photo: Joël Lightbound

Name:
Joël Lightbound

Other Role(s):
Parl. Sec. Public Safety

Riding:
Louis-Hébert

Province:
Quebec

Preferred Language:
French/English

CSC Facilities in Riding:
Nil

Year First Elected:
2015

Past Profession:
Lawyer

Statements on the Issue:

  • Expressed support re: CSC/PBC BOI.
  • Supported current PBC appointment process (including increasing ethnic/gender diversity on Boards).
  • Supported having discussions with opposition regarding caseloads of Parole Officers.
  • Explained that parole criteria has not changed for years.
  • Expressed support re: CSC/PBC BOI.
  • Supported current PBC appointment process (including increasing ethnic/gender diversity on Boards).
  • Supported having discussions with opposition regarding caseloads of Parole Officers.
  • Explained that parole criteria has not changed for years.
Photo: John McKay

Name:
John McKay

Other Role(s):
Chair of SECU

Riding:
Scarborough - Guildwood

Province:
Ontario

Preferred Language:
English

CSC Facilities in Riding:
Nil

Year First Elected:
2004

Past Profession:
Lawyer

Statements on the Issue

  • Criticised CSC for not taking action on recommendations put forth by external bodies e.g OCI, OAG

Conservative Party of Canada

Photo: Marc Dalton

Name:
Marc Dalton

Other Role(s):
Nil

Riding:
Pitt Meadows - Maple Ridge

Province:
Ontario

Preferred Language:
English

CSC Facilities in Riding:
Maple Ridge Parole Office

Year First Elected:
2019

Past Profession:
Teacher, Pastor

Public Views Related to CSC:

  • Drew parallels between the current situation and past high profile situations (i.e., a Healing Lodge transfer) to argue that this government isn’t protecting the public.
  • Has argued for a review of how the PBC grants parole.
  • Mentioned the satisfaction of victims regarding the services received from the government.
Photo: Rob Morrison

Name:
Rob Morrison

Other Role(s):
Deputy Shadow Cabinet Min. Public Safety

Riding:
Kootenay - Columbia

Province:
Ontario

Preferred Language:
English

CSC Facilities in Riding:
None

Year First Elected:
2019

Past Profession:
RCMP Officer

Statements on the Issue:

  • Metis background with an interest to ensure offenders are not misrepresenting having an indigenous background.
Photo: Pierre Paul-Hus

Name:
Pierre Paul-Hus

Other Role(s):
Vice-Chair ofSECU; Shadow Cabinet Min. Public Safety

Riding:
Charlesbourg - Haute-Saint-Charles

Province:
Quebec

Preferred Language:
French

CSC Facilities in Riding:
Nil

Year First Elected:
2015

Past Profession:
Media professional

Statements on the Issue:

  • Believes that Community Supervision for Corrections is under resourced.
  • Moved two motions in the House relating to the Gallese issue.
  • Has focused on having a public/external investigation.
  • Criticized PBC appointment process.
  • Cited OAG report to criticize conditional release.
  • Criticized PNEP (safety issues).
  • Supported Ion Scanners.
  • Has written op-eds in Canadian media regarding his position on the recent incident in Quebec.
Photo: Doug Shipley

Name:
Doug Shipley

Other Role(s):
Nil.

Riding:
Barrie - Springwater - Oro-Medonte

Province:
Ontario

Preferred Language:
English

CSC Facilities in Riding:
Barrie Parole Office

Year First Elected:
2019

Past Profession:
Municipal city councillor

Statements on the Issue:

Nil

Bloc Québécois

Photo: Kristina Michaud

Name:
Kristina Michaud

Other Role(s):
Vice-Chair of SECU; BQ Critic for Public Safety

Riding :
Avignon-La Mitis-Matane-Matapédia

Province:
Quebec

Preferred Language:
French

CSC Facilities in Riding:
Nil

Year First Elected:
2019

Past Profession:
Former communications professional

Statements on the Issue:

  • Advocated for rehabilitation programs but cited the lack of resources raised in 2018 OAG report.
  • Stated that CSC was not adequately managing offenders in the community.
    • Expressed concern about new PBC appointment process.
    • Advocated for external investigation.

New Democratic Party

Photo: Jack Harris

Name:
Jack Harris

Other Role(s):
Vice-Chair of Canada-China Relations

Riding:
St. Jonh’s East

Province:
Newfoundland and Labrador

Preferred Language:
English

CSC Facilities in Riding:
Newfoundland and Labrador CCC; Newfoundland Area Parole Office

Year First Elected:
2008

Past Profession:
Lawyer

Statements on the Issue:

  • Has interest in mental health issues for offenders. Expressed concerns that offenders with drug dependencies or mental health issues do not have access to sufficient programing.
  • Condemned recent PBC decision on Gallese.
  • Stated that it could have been avoided if there were different law governing sex work.
  • Advocated for PBC member training regarding misogynistic underpinnings of cases.
  • Expressed concerns regarding extradition, focusing on the human rights of prisoners (e.g., access to legal counsel).

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