Good morning, everyone.
My name is Marc-Arthur Hyppolite. I am the Senior Deputy Commissioner for Correctional Service of Canada. I studied criminology, sociology, and psychology at the University of Ottawa. I also went to the Collège de Maisonneuve in Montreal. I am here to represent the Correctional Service of Canada. I have 25 years of experience in corrections and a few short periods of time in other government departments.
I'm pleased to be here and I would like to thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today.
As you know, Mr. Chair, Canada's aboriginal people are grounded in a very rich and diverse culture. Unfortunately, this history has led to a disproportionate number of aboriginal people in Canadian penitentiaries. CSC's actions, as described in the strategic plan for aboriginal corrections and supported by the recent accountability framework, reflect an understanding of that history, the current social reality, and the importance of cultural traditions when formulating meaningful correctional policy for the aboriginal people in our care.
As the Commissioner informed you in June, we have seen a significant change in the offender population profile over the past decade. Increases in the number of offenders with mental health problems and substance abuse problems are important factors in this offender profile.
Where this differs between the aboriginal and non-aboriginal population is that aboriginal offenders tend to be younger, be at higher risk, and have more health problems—specifically fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and mental health issues.
Additionally, we have found that aboriginal offenders have a significantly higher rate of drug and alcohol problems than non-aboriginal offenders.
Our approach to aboriginal corrections is based on the continuum of care that encompasses each stage of an offender's sentence, from admission to release into the community. The continuum of care, which was created in consultation with aboriginal stakeholders and partners, developed new opportunities to address aboriginal offenders' needs, as reflected in the 2006 to 2011 strategy plan for aboriginal corrections. This was developed to enhance CSC's capacity to deliver effective intervention to first nations, Métis, and Inuit offenders and to integrate this continuum into Correctional Service of Canada.
CSC recognized that aboriginal culture is holistic in nature and elders are integrating and assisting in the intervention plans for aboriginal offenders to ensure they are reflected in their healing plan. Through our experience working with aboriginal offenders, it is clear that programs that include culturally appropriate elements of correctional interventions are more effective with an aboriginal population that has higher risks and needs than other segments of our population.
As you know, effective correctional programming is an essential element in reducing reoffending and preparing the offender for their safe return to the community. As such, they include the integration of effective correctional program principles with traditional aboriginal healing and spiritual approaches.
Research has shown that programs that include culturally appropriate elements in correctional interventions are more effective with aboriginal populations that have higher risks and needs than other segments of our population.
With this in mind, we provide programs specifically designed to meet the unique needs of aboriginal offenders, we work in partnership with aboriginal communities, and we rely on the guidance provided to us by the aboriginal advisory committees that we regularly engage to help implement our plans for action.
One example is the aboriginal offender substance abuse program, which is offered at both the high and moderate intensity levels. The program is for male aboriginal offenders and is designed to reduce the risk of relapsing into substance abuse and reoffending. The program is based on a holistic approach to ensure the impact of addictions is examined across physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions in a safe and supportive environment. It is also culturally responsive to the needs of first nation, Inuit, and Métis offenders.
Looking forward, CSC has invested nearly $33 million in aboriginal corrections over 2009-2010 to support the following: the expansion of aboriginal intervention and healing programs in our institutions and of healing lodges in communities; the contracting of more elders in our institutions and in the community; an increase in apartment units and houses to offer more intensive healing support; and the creation of more aboriginal employment and job placement opportunities.
I am confident that our dedicated research and our effective program development have put us on the track to respond to the offender profile and to address the unique needs of aboriginal offenders. Within this body of work, measures to address mental health and substance abuse are important priorities.
Thank you for this opportunity to speak and I welcome any questions you may have.
Then, if you want the Deputy Commissioner for Women to make a presentation, that will be possible.