Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  In preparing for that response, we commissioned Michelle Mann to author the study that was recently released. What it does is it gives you a frame of reference to evaluate CSC's progress and also the appropriateness of that strategic plan and framework. I also know that the serv

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  What we have seen, not just in Canada but internationally, is research over time that comes to a general conclusion that correctional programming and intervention works best when there is gradual, supervised reintegration at release from penitentiary into the community. The perio

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I think the Correctional Service of Canada, like all public institutions, faces the dilemma of how to treat all with equality while still respecting individual differences. In the case of aboriginal offenders, of course, we have both constitutional and court-directed decisions th

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  There is no exact mirror protocol. For men there's a special handling unit, which is the most restricted form of custody we have. For women who present particular challenges to the correctional authority, there is a management protocol, a process that's been developed to very clo

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I'm in the position where I deal primarily with mistakes, failings, errors, and gaps. So when I report, I report on those from that perspective.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  The Correctional Service of Canada has an executive committee, which is really the decision-making body. I believe the commissioner will be providing testimony to the committee later on today, and I think he will be in a very good position to explain how that decision-making body

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  As I said in my opening comments, I think it's very important that these issues be discussed in a broader context than just corrections. The fact that we're appearing now, as the Office of the Correctional Investigator, for the second time before this committee, gives me hope tha

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you. You've identified very well the complexity of the matter at hand. I would agree absolutely that any program in isolation from the context in which that program is being offered is not likely to have the intended or sustained results. The Correctional Service of Canad

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I have not seen a comprehensive roll-up of the cumulative impact of all the current and proposed legislative policy proposals. But we do know this: based on the current trends and the current demographics of the aboriginal population in Canada, based on the current practice of th

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  The classification of aboriginal offenders has been a long-standing concern for my office, and for very good reason. It's disturbing that the most common form of release for an aboriginal offender from a federal penitentiary is statutory release. As the “Good Intentions” report a

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thanks for the invitation to appear before this committee once again, and thank you for acknowledging the importance of reviewing the situation of aboriginal peoples in federal custody. In the course of my remarks, I'll speak to issues pertaining to th

Public Safety committee  Yes. I'm just trying to find your schedule. Maple Creek is a unique institution in the country, operating as a healing lodge. I think, as my colleague indicated, you'll see a best practice. I would ask what are the limitations to this best practice expanding? What are the limita

Public Safety committee  Nothing is a waste of time.

Public Safety committee  We'll certainly do our best. I think our insights will be of more value to you in terms of the domestic scene, but certainly we'll share with you our knowledge, as limited as it may be, of the international community as well.

Public Safety committee  Any national strategy would have to include involvement from the police, the courts, and the health providers. It would have to look at resources available in local communities. This will not be an easy or a quick change. By the time the Correctional Service of Canada receives a