Evidence of meeting #17 for Public Safety and National Security in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was program.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Ross Toller  Deputy Commissioner, Transformation and Renewal Team, Correctional Service of Canada
Brian Wheeler  Area Director, London Area Parole Office, Correctional Service of Canada
Howard Sapers  Correctional Investigator, Office of the Correctional Investigator
Ivan Zinger  Executive Director and General Counsel, Office of the Correctional Investigator

12:55 p.m.

Conservative

Wai Young Conservative Vancouver South, BC

—but I have very little time left, and I do have another question. I do get what you're trying to say, that there are all kinds of challenges to being enrolled or being on or off a wait—

12:55 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Kevin Sorenson

You've just got to wrap it up.

12:55 p.m.

Conservative

Wai Young Conservative Vancouver South, BC

Okay.

The second thing I'd like to ask you, very quickly, is that you talked about the crowding in the prisons. Given the investments this government wants to make in upgrading the prisons—and you said you've been to many different prisons—do you think that's a good idea?

12:55 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Kevin Sorenson

The answer has to be in about 15 seconds.

12:55 p.m.

Correctional Investigator, Office of the Correctional Investigator

Howard Sapers

As I understand it, there are two kinds of investments being made right now. There is some capital investment being made to deal with what's referred to as “rust-out” or just building capacity to meet current demand, and then there are investments being made in anticipation of increased demand because of legislative and policy reform.

I can tell you that the capital projects that deal with the rust-out to make sure that we have a system that's adequate and safe for inmates and staff is critically important.

1 p.m.

Conservative

Wai Young Conservative Vancouver South, BC

So that's a yes, then?

1 p.m.

Correctional Investigator, Office of the Correctional Investigator

Howard Sapers

Well, it's a yes on that half of it.

I don't want to comment on the new capacity that will be required in anticipation of policy and legislative reforms, because I have yet to see a comprehensive roll-up of what all of that anticipated policy and legislative change will result in, in terms of numbers.

1 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Kevin Sorenson

Thank you very much.

We are right at one o'clock, so our time has concluded.

We want to thank both of you for appearing again before our committee. It's appreciated and we appreciate your opening comments and your answers to the questions. Thank you.

We are adjourned.