Thank you, Mr. Chair.
It's clear from conversations with MP Harold Albrecht and testimony from the John Howard Society and the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa that inmates don't have access to satisfactory programs to prepare them for today's labour market once they're released. Inmates are frustrated that the waiting list for programs and services is such that offenders serving long sentences can access those programs before those who are serving short sentences or are granted early release.
In a perfect world, all individuals would have access to the programs they need, but we know that's not the case. Consequently, we must give priority to preparing those who are released into society. That's why we're moving this amendment.