Mr. Sapers, let me join with my colleagues in thanking you for your service to Canadians in what I'm sure has oftentimes been a thankless position.
I have so many questions, I don't know where to start.
I was reminded when I spoke to the parole officers that we often don't remember that offenders will be getting out of prison at some point, and we need to think about what kind of person we're releasing. I'm trying to take a look at what you're saying in that context, that these people have committed a crime, they're in prison, but we also need to look at what kind of person we're releasing.
You highlighted the number of indigenous people in prison. At our human rights caucus recently, one of my colleagues spoke about the racism of lower expectations. I met recently with Senator Pate, and she talked about how privilege has an effect on criminal charges.
I know you're not responsible for the sentencing and for how many people are being sent to prison, but I noted in the Auditor General's report that the number of indigenous prisoners seeking parole the first time they are able to is 12%, and that's also in terms of accessing programming while in prison. Do you have any suggestions on how we can assist with that, making sure that we're giving our indigenous people the opportunity to access programming and parole?