Both of us are lawyers, and I teach at the law school as well, and I would say that the first thing to remember is that the punishment is the term of imprisonment. Television was introduced as a calming method in the prison as well as to keep people occupied because there is so little else to do, especially as we see more overcrowding.
In fact, it is false to say there are no repercussions. If you need to know the number of people who are delayed in getting out, who are kept in until warrant expiry, because they don't participate in programs, I would suggest you request that list from Corrections Canada. In fact, if you do not participate in programs and address the issues that are identified in that initial assessment as being required for your correctional treatment plan, you will not be recommended for parole. Even if you do them, it is not guaranteed that you will be recommended for parole if you are still seen to pose a risk.
It's actually very misleading to say that people get perks. Basically, basic human rights and basic attempts at calming and resocialization are part of the responsibilities of Corrections Canada. If in fact we are talking about going to regimes that are seen as brutalizing, because they violate all human rights, then we are talking about a whole other matter. Then I would suggest that you would see even more drug use in the prisons.