Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Laprade, looking at the bill as a whole, I see that there is no criminological analysis. And, in fact, a number of bills reflect the same trend.
In terms of transferring inmates from one country to another, or even from one institution to another inside Canada, the risk analysis is not as for a transfer of offenders from an institution to the outside; it just isn't the same.
In this bill, based on the underlying risk analysis, it's as though inmates in foreign institutions were being paroled. An example is paragraph 10(1)(h) which talks about “whether the offender has refused to participate in a rehabilitation or reintegration program”. That is a risk assessment factor for parole, not for transfers from one institution to another. In fact, “whether the offender has accepted responsibility for the offence” is one of the criteria typically used to assess the risks associated with parole.
Not only is the bill problematic because of the subjective nature of the power and duties associated with it, but some of the factors listed have absolutely nothing to do with the kinds of things that should be considered, from a criminological point of view, when an inmate is transferred from one institution to another. And yet these factors are extremely relevant in any risk analysis associated with parole. That is already stated in the Corrections and Conditional Release Act. Officers do that on a daily basis, assessing the degree to which there is recognition of the offence committed, participation in programs, and so on.
In my opinion, this bill has basically missed the boat in terms of criminological analysis. I am not blaming you in any way for that; it may have nothing to do with you. I'm sure you only follow the instructions you're given. But it is systematic, Mr. Laprade. That lack of criminological analysis is evident in every single bill tabled by the government. It might be a good idea to have a criminologist on the team. It might result in better bills, from both a criminological and legislative standpoint.
Personally, as a criminologist, I believe this bill requires a great many amendments, particularly with respect to powers and duties.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.