COVID-19: How to stay in touch with federal prisoners
- December 26, 2020
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
In response to outbreaks of COVID-19 in prisons, Correctional Service Canada has suspended in-person visits in many areas. That said, friends and family still have other ways of contacting prisoners: Mail. As a precaution, mail is generally being quarantined for…
COVID-19: Modified routines for health purposes in prison
- December 19, 2020
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
In addition to placing prisoners in medical isolation, wardens in federal institutions also have the authority to implement a modified routine for health purposes. Modified routines are implemented to restrict movement within part of or an entire prison to contain…
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,…
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…
6 Things to know about COVID-19 and visiting prisoners
- November 15, 2020
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
COVID-19 has impacted Correctional Service Canada’s visiting procedures. Below are a few points to remember before visiting: Not all prisons are allowing visits. Depending on local transmission, some institutions may not be allowing visitors. Check online to see whether the…
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…
Are disciplinary charges different than criminal charges?
- October 16, 2020
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
Disciplinary/institutional charges are different than criminal charges. Prisoners who commit a criminal act can be charged under the Criminal Code, and the matter would be tried in a court. Federal prisoners can also receive disciplinary charges, which are administrative proceedings…
COVID-19 and medical isolation in prison
- September 26, 2020
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
In response to COVID-19, Correctional Service Canada has enacted various policies. One of these policies allows for medical isolation to avoid prisoners who have the virus spreading it to others. Medical isolation is required for: Prisoners coming into prison (following…
Can prisoners challenge a penitentiary placement?
- September 12, 2020
- Kate Mitchell
- No comments
Federal prisoners are assessed over several weeks or months after they are transferred to a federal penitentiary. The prisoner’s parole officer then recommends a security classification (minimum, medium, or maximum) and penitentiary to place the prisoner in. The final classification/placement…