Simon Says

The Parole Board of Canada and Ontario Parole Board allow members of the public to attend parole hearings. Below are some things you should know if you’re considering going to a hearing:

1. Observers need to fill out a form before the hearing and get permission from the Board to attend: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/canada/parole-board/forms/pbc0037e.pdf (PBC), https://slasto-tsapno.gov.on.ca/opb-colc/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2018/12/01-OPB-001E.pdf (OPB). Submit your request early because it can take time to process request forms.
2. Family and friends who support the offender can apply to attend a hearing. Note that victims also have the right to attend, and others like media and students may be allowed to attend hearings.
3. Even if the Board has approved someone to attend a hearing, the institution also needs to approve the observer. If the observer isn’t on the list at the gate, tests positive for an illicit substance on the IONSCAN, etc., the observer may not be able to attend the hearing.
4. Observers (with the exception of victims) do NOT have the right to say anything or make submissions.
5. Observers have little to no contact with the offender before, during, and after the hearing. If you wish to speak to the offender, it is best to try to arrange a visit after the hearing.

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