5 Things to know about Parole Board of Canada hearings for non-English speakers
- April 16, 2021
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
The Parole Board of Canada offers certain accommodations for prisoners who do not speak English. The Parole Board of Canada can hold hearings in English or French. Prisoners should ensure that their Parole Officer is aware of their preference well…
5 Things to know about Long-Term Supervision Orders
- February 5, 2021
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
In certain circumstances, individuals who are convicted of a criminal offence (or offences) can be subjected to a Long-Term Supervision Order (“LTSO”). An LTSO can be made if an individual has committed an offence and it would be appropriate to…
Parole Board of Canada hearings move to WebEx
- January 22, 2021
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
The Parole Board of Canada announced this week that Parole Board of Canada hearings are moving to WebEx. Prior to COVID-19, hearings occurred in-person, with Board Members, parole officers, lawyers, and observers generally attending in-person. Since the pandemic began, hearings…
Can Correctional Service Canada withhold information from prisoners?
- December 12, 2020
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
When a prisoner is entitled to make representations (for example, following an involuntary transfer or segregation placement), the prisoner is entitled to all information considered in making the decision. This is to allow the prisoner to make meaningful submissions to…
Can CSC disclose information about prisoners with victims?
- December 4, 2020
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
In general, Correctional Service Canada is required to respect the privacy of prisoners and not disclose information without consent. However, information can be shared in certain circumstances, particularly when it comes to victims. CSC will provide victims with certain information,…
How do parole appeals work?
- November 27, 2020
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
Prisoners can appeal decisions of the Parole Board of Canada to the Appeal Division. In addition to appealing a denial of parole, prisoners can also appeal the conditions imposed on parole or statutory release. Prisoners need to submit their appeals…
Do prisoners have to pay to bring applications in court?
- November 20, 2020
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
There are court filing fees that prisoners should be aware of before bringing applications in court. In the Federal Court, it costs $50 to have a notice of application issued. There are additional fees for setting hearing dates, bringing a…
What happens if a parole officer doesn’t complete paperwork before a prisoner’s parole hearing?
- November 6, 2020
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
Parole officers must do case preparation for all prisoners going for parole. This requires the parole officer to complete paperwork for the parole hearing, such as an Assessment for Decision, Correctional Plan, etc. This paperwork is generally ready for the…
5 Things to know about the Parole Board of Canada
- October 30, 2020
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
1. The Parole Board of Canada (“PBC”) is an independent administrative tribunal. The PBC is separate from Correctional Service Canada (“CSC”). CSC is responsible for managing prisoners’ sentences, and CSC makes recommendations to the PBC regarding parole, temporary absences, etc….
Can prisoners be compensated for damaged personal property?
- October 23, 2020
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
Prisoners are responsible for the safekeeping of the property in their possession. When the Service is responsible for the safekeeping of prisoner property, they must take all reasonable steps to protect prisoners’ property. Correctional Service Canada has the discretion to…