Information & Ethics committee  It's exactly the same, yes.

Information & Ethics committee  Yes.

Information & Ethics committee  I would say there are some differences depending on the jurisdiction, but it can be similar, yes.

Information & Ethics committee  Just quickly on overdose prevention sites, it's not a question of not looking at it. It's a harm reduction program, and it's really to enforce support and help inmates who are struggling with substance use. The distinction is that, when we are dealing with trafficking, then we go with the enforcement.

Information & Ethics committee  We are not giving back the phones because they are contraband, so we keep them.

Information & Ethics committee  I would say the same thing. We don't use any tools to observe or monitor our staff. That's like the same situation—

Information & Ethics committee  No. There would be occasions when we would investigate staff. We would not use specific legal software. It would have to be specifically within an investigation.

Information & Ethics committee  No, it’s not easier. The information we get this way is compiled with security intelligence we already have. It helps us move the needle in our efforts to prevent contraband materials from getting into our facilities.

Information & Ethics committee  When it comes to trust, it’s important to emphasize that these technological tools help us make our facilities safer. Since they’re used on contraband cellphones, it means they’re used for very specific purposes. The information extracted from cellphones is used only for intelligence purposes.

Information & Ethics committee  No, we haven't used it on employees.

Information & Ethics committee  Once the software was purchased in 2010, we conducted a series of checks to determine if a privacy impact assessment was required. Based on the program we were setting up, the tool we were using and the way the information was going to be managed, it was not considered necessary.

Information & Ethics committee  Yes, we responded by saying that we had followed the list of checks in line with a privacy impact assessment.

Information & Ethics committee  I said we use the tool on seized devices. We’ve seen a marked increase in the number of incidents involving drones, as well as a significant increase in the number of cellphones seized in facilities. Accordingly, to collect security intelligence, we use these systems to extract data and prevent other incidents.

Information & Ethics committee  The answer is no. We don't use the software on employees' cellphones. We use it only on seized, contraband cellular phones that would have been introduced into our institution illegally.

Information & Ethics committee  Hello everyone. Mr. Chair and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today as part of your study. My name is France Gratton, and I am the assistant commissioner for correctional operations and programs with the Correctional Service of Canada.