Appearance before the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU), November 27, 2023

On this page

1. Opening remarks
2. Policy and legislation
   • Corrections and Conditional Release Act
   • Corrections and Conditional Release Regulations
   • Commissioner’s Directive 710-2 Transfer of inmates
3. Messaging
   • Dangerous offenders
   • Escapes (General)
   • High Profile Offenders
   • Victim services and notification
   • Security classification of inmates
   • Inmate transfers
   • Conditional release
   • Harm reduction
   • Contraband
   • Saskatchewan Mass Tragedy
4. La Macaza Institution
   • Overview
5. Proposed Legislation
   • Bill C-320 - An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (disclosure of information to victims)
   • Bill C-342 - An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (maximum security offenders)
   • Bill C-351 - An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (maximum security offenders)
   • Bill C-357, An Act to amend the Government Employees Compensation Act
6. SECU Membership and relevant quotes
   • Committee overview (SECU)
   • Liberal Party of Canada (LPC)
   • Conservative Party of Canada (CPC)
   • Bloc Quebecois (BQ)
   • New Democratic Party (NDP)

Alternate format

1. Opening remarks

Good morning, Chair and Members of this Committee.

Thank you for inviting me as part of your study on the rights of victims of crime, and the security classification and transfer of offenders.

These issues have received considerable public attention, following the transfer of offender Paul Bernardo from a maximum to a medium security institution this past summer. I would like to take the time today to explain more about how security classification, and reclassification work, and how we uphold victims’ rights in the process.

As we are here, my thoughts are with the victims of this offender and their families. What they have gone through is unimaginable. This offender committed horrific crimes and hearing about this case over the past months has brought up strong emotions, and rightly so. I regret any pain and concern this have caused. Public safety, and the victims’ safety, continues to be top of mind for us in any decisions we make.

Chair and members of this committee, I have worked with the Correctional Service of Canada for 40 years. I have dedicated my career to serving Canadians and upholding public safety.

I can attest first-hand that our correctional system works only if we perform our duties according to the law.

In Canada, one of the fundamental roles and legislated mandate of our correctional system is the rehabilitation of offenders. This is true for all those under our care and custody, including those offenders who are likely to remain incarcerated for the rest of their lives.

When an inmate is admitted to federal custody, they are assessed and assigned a security classification which helps determine their risk level and the institution where they will be placed.

In accordance with the law, CSC is required to review an offender’s security classifications at regular intervals. More specifically, we are required to review the security classification of inmates at medium and maximum security at least every two years.

This allows CSC to ensure inmates continue to be placed at the appropriate security level and that we are compliant with the Correctional and Conditional Release Act’s principle of using the least restrictive measures consistent with the protection of society, staff and offenders.

Our approach to both initial security classification and security reclassification is very rigorous. It includes the use of evidence-based assessment tools together with the professional judgment of specialized staff.

The assessment includes consideration of the security classification rating using the Custody Rating Scale or the Security Reclassification Scale. These are both actuarial tools that generate a score based on an inmate’s history. This includes, for example, any security-related incidents, previous escapes, and offence severity.

The assessment also includes consideration of three areas: the required degree of supervision and control within the institution, also referred to as institutional adjustment, escape risk, and public safety. These factors are set out in law and policy.

To be classified as maximum, an inmate must be rated High on institutional adjustment or rated High on both escape risk and risk to the safety of the public. To be classified as minimum, an inmate must be rated Low in all three areas. For any ratings that fall outside of this, inmates would be classified as medium security. No inmate who is a high risk to the public can go to a minimum-security institution. 

Inmates must be placed in an institution that correspond with their security classification.

It is important to stress that at any point, an inmate can be placed, or returned to, a higher security level if deemed necessary to ensure the safety of the public or an institution.

When deciding on which institution is most suitable for the management of an inmate, the law requires that CSC take into account a number of factors. This includes the availability of appropriate programs and services and the degree and type of control required to ensure the ongoing safety of the public, offenders, our staff and victims.

CSC has always required victim information to be considered in recommendations and decisions. At any time in an inmate’s sentence, a victim can submit a new or updated statement to CSC. These statements must be considered by the case management in the overall assessment for transfers prior to the decisions.

At CSC, we are committed to upholding victims’ rights and taking a victim-centered approach when making decisions or recommendations regarding offenders. We strive to provide victims with the information they need to have an effective voice in the federal corrections and conditional release process and ensure victims are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.

Following the transfer of Paul Bernardo, I heard a wide array of views and felt it was important to order an additional review to make sure that this decision was compliant with the law, policies and procedures that guide our work and that the decisions to reclassify and transfer him were sound, evidence-based, and appropriately considered victims.

While the review committee concluded that CSC followed all applicable laws and policies, it also concluded that we could have had more proactive and meaningful discussions with victims.

It recommended that I establish a multi-disciplinary working committee to enhance policies and practices pertaining to victims, which I accepted and put in place.

The committee is comprised of 11 members, including victims as well as members of our CSC/Parole Board of Canada Regional Victim Advisory Committee members, corrections experts and the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime.

The Multidisciplinary Committee on Victims Services started its work on November 17. Over the next months, it will explore how we provide services to victims of crime and also examine additional areas that could be further strengthened.

We have also recently undertaken a review of our policies to see how we can better serve victims and provide them with more timely information about the offender who harmed them.

Chair and members of this committee, transfers play an important role in CSC’s ability to manage the inmate population within our legal framework and are key to meeting our mission and mandate.

I know that our correctional system can only be successful if we continue to make informed decisions according to the law.

I want to close my remarks by acknowledging our employees. Though they work in challenging circumstances, I continue to remain confident in the ability of CSC employees to make informed assessments and decisions that both uphold the law and protect our institutions and communities.

Thank you.

2. Policy and legislation

Corrections and Conditional Release Act

• The Act states that each inmate shall be assigned a security classification in accordance with the Regulations and that the Service shall provide the reason in writing to the inmate.
• The Act states that the Service shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that the penitentiary in which inmates are confined is one that provides them with the least restrictive environment. This is done taking into account various factors including the degree and kind of custody and control necessary for public and institutional safety and accessibility to community supports, a compatible cultural environment and a compatible linguistic environment.
• The issue of compatible linguistic environment has been raised by UCCO in the media.
• The proximity to victims for the purposes of attending parole hearings is not a factor to be considered by the Act when considering the inmate’s security classification.
• Authorities: The Act states that the Commissioner or a designated staff member may authorize transfers to another penitentiary in accordance with the Corrections and Conditional Release Regulations.

Corrections and Conditional Release Regulations

• The Regulations provide more detail as to the Service’s responsibilities in notifying the inmate of a transfer decision
• The Regulations state that a variety of factors must be taken into consideration when determining an inmate’s security classification, these include:
  • The seriousness of the offence committed by the inmate
  • Any outstanding charges against the inmate
  • The inmate’s performance and behaviour while under sentence
  • The inmate’s social, criminal, and if available, young-offender history and any dangerous offender designation under the Criminal Code
  • Any physical or mental illness or disorder suffered by the inmate
  • The inmate’s potential for violent behaviour; and
  • The inmate’s continued involvement in criminal activities
• They also provide more information as to the requirements used to determine an inmate’s security classification.

Maximum

• Presenting a high probability of escape and a high risk to the safety of the public in the event of escape, or
• Requiring a high degree of supervision and control within the penitentiary

Medium

• Presenting low to moderate probability of escape and a moderate risk to the safety of the public in the event of escape, or
• Requirement a moderate degree of supervision and control within the penitentiary

Commissioner’s Directive 710-2 Transfer of Inmates

• The Institutional Head will forward their recommendation to the Regional Deputy Commissioner (RDC) or Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Correctional Operations (ADCCO) for an inter-regional transfer to a men’s institution
• The RDC or ADCCO of the receiving region is the decision maker for the inter-regional transfer of an inmate to a men’s institution

3. Messaging

Dangerous offenders

• Protecting the safety and security of our institutions and communities is a top priority for the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC).
• The designation of a Dangerous Offender is determined by the Courts, pursuant to the Criminal Code Section 753 (4).
• The Dangerous Offender designation provides an additional measure of public safety as it alerts CSC as well as the Parole Board of Canada (PBC), that the inmate belongs in a high-risk category.
• The Service regularly assesses all inmates including Dangerous Offenders, to ensure that they continue to be placed at the appropriate security level.
• The transfer of an inmate to a lower security level depends on their progress against the objectives of their correctional plan and upon the assessment of the risk for public safety, escape and institutional adjustment, in accordance with the Corrections and Conditional Release Regulations (CCRR).
• Inmates including Dangerous Offenders will not be classified as minimum security until CSC assesses that they present:
  • a low probability of escape, and
  • a low risk to the safety of the public in the event of escape, and
  • requiring a low degree of supervision and control within the penitentiary.
• In the case of Dangerous offenders, the decision maker for the reclassification to minimum security is the Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations and Programs (ADM level).
• At any point, an inmate can be placed, or returned to, a higher security level if deemed necessary to ensure the safety of the public or an institution.

Data

At the end of fiscal year 2022 to 2023, there were 919 active federal inmates with the DO designation. Of those, 726 were incarcerated in a CSC facility, 150 were in the community under supervision, 10 were temporarily detained in a CSC facility, 3 were temporarily detained in a non-CSC facility, 7 were on remand in a CSC facility, 21 were on remand in a non-CSC facility, one was UAL for less than 90 days and one was supervised and subject to an immigration hold by Canada Border Services Agency. Source: Performance Measurement and Management Reports, data current up to the end of fiscal year 2022 to 2023.

In the past 10 years, there have been 2 escapes by inmates designated as Dangerous Offenders. Source: Performance Measurement and Management Reports.

Escapes (General)

• In all of its operations, public safety remains the paramount consideration for CSC
• CSC works to prevent escapes by regularly assessing all inmates to ensure that they are placed at the appropriate security level
• Only those inmates who are assessed as having a low risk to public safety, low escape risk and low institutional adjustment rating are placed in a minimum-security institution
• The number of those who escaped federal institutions across the country represent about 0.1% of the total inmate population
• Over the past five years most escapees were from minimum security institutions, and the majority have been recaptured

Statistics

Escapes from CSC institutions

The following figures represent the number of inmates who have escaped from CSC institutions each fiscal year from April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2023.

Note that the institutional level where the escapes occurred is not available.

These numbers are subject to change further to new information becoming available. Source: Performance Measurement and Management Reports, data current up to the end of fiscal year 2022 to 2023

High Profile Offenders

• Policy CD-701 on Information Sharing outlines a process by which case management staff must flag High Profile Offenders in CSC's system and brief up on events accordingly within CSC
• As defined in policy, a high-profile offender is an offender whose offence dynamics elicited or have a potential to elicit a community reaction in the form of significant public and/or media interest
• CSC has a process in place to notify the Minister’s Office ahead of events that may attract media attention. These include transfers, PBC hearings, release dates (Day Parole, Full Parole, Statutory Release), Temporary Absences, etc.
• As per the Ministerial Direction, the Minister of Public Safety is now notified directly and formally of any high-profile offender being transferred to a lower security level. These communications are also shared to ministerial staff for their information
• CSC is currently working towards the implementation of the remaining measures described in the Ministerial Direction

Victim services and notification

• CSC is committed to upholding victims’ rights and taking a victim-centered approach when making decisions or recommendations regarding inmates
• CSC provides information and notifications to victims based on provisions in the CCRA for individuals who meet the definition of a victim under the law: an individual who has suffered physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss as the result of the commission of the offence
• Victims may register to receive information about the inmate who harmed them. The CCRA lists the information victims can request to receive, including but not limited to:
  • Sentence information
  • Information about transfers and reasons for transfer
  • Eligibility and review dates for temporary absences and conditional release
  • The outcome of the review
  • The inmate’s release date
  • Destination and conditions of release
• Victim considerations are taken into account in case management recommendations and decision-making throughout the course of the inmate’s sentence
• The need to consider victim information is not new and has always been an integral component of risk assessment, release planning and supervision
• This includes reviewing all Victim Statements on file, whether it is Victim Impact Statement submitted in court or Victim Statement submitted directly to CSC
• At any time in an inmate’s sentence, a victim can submit a new or updated statement to CSC for consideration
• Victim concerns must be included in the overall assessment for transfers prior to the decisions. This is done by case management teams by consulting all victim Statements on file
• As per CSC policy, the Victim Services Unit notifies victims of transfers to a medium- or maximum-security institution (or unit within the same institution) the day that the inmate is transferred or as soon as possible afterward
• The CCRA allows CSC to notify victims of transfers to minimum-security units or Healing Lodges before they occur. When it is possible, the Victim Services Unit notifies registered victims two days in advance of the transfer
• The Victim Services Unit notifies registered victims of temporary absences at least 16 days prior to the occurrence, unless not practicable to do so
• The Victim Services Unit notifies victims of the month and year of review dates under the authority of the PBC in order to invite them to provide Victim Statements or updated Victim Statements for consideration in case preparation. The PBC informs victims of the actual date of upcoming hearings
• Currently, CSC has more than 8,000 registered victims and completes more than 30,000 notifications a year

Security classification of inmates

• When an offender is admitted to the federal correctional system, they are assessed and must be placed in an institution that corresponds to their security classification.
• Decisions on security classification must be in accordance with the law, as defined in the CCRA and CCRR.
• CSC's approach to both initial security classification and security reclassification includes the use of evidence-based assessment instruments together with the professional judgment of specialized staff.
• The security level is determined based on:
  • Consideration of the security classification rating using the Custody Rating Scale or the Security Reclassification Scale, which are both actuarial tools that generate a score based on an inmate’s history background, for example, security-related incidents, previous escapes, offence severity, and their progress while in-custody.
  • The decision maker’s assessment of the following three areas as outlined in the CCRR: required degree of supervision and control within the institution (institutional adjustment); escape risk and public safety risk.
• Minimum-security inmates must be rated Low in all three areas. Maximum-security inmates are those that are rated High on institutional adjustment or are rated High on both escape risk and risk to the safety of the public. For any ratings that fall outside of this, inmates would be classified as medium security.
• As is the case for all inmates, security classification reviews can be undertaken at any time during their sentence. CD 710-6, Review of Inmate Security Classification, states that a Security Classification Review will be completed at least once every two years for inmates classified at maximum or medium security level.
• At any point, an inmate can be returned to a higher security level, if deemed necessary, to ensure the safety of the public or our institutions.

Security levels

Minimum security

The perimeter of a minimum-security institution is defined, but not directly controlled. Inmate movement and association are regulated but with little, or no, direct staff supervision. Arms/weapons are not retained in the institution.

Medium security

The perimeter of a medium-security institution is well-defined, secure and controlled. Inmate movement and association are regulated and supervised. Perimeter controls that are in place at medium-security facilities include Perimeter Intrusion Detection (PID) systems consisting of camera surveillance, electronic surveillance for movement, armed mobile patrols, and elevated security towers.

Maximum security

The perimeter of a maximum-security institution is well-defined, highly secure and controlled. Inmate movement and association are strictly regulated and directly supervised. Arms/weapons are retained in the institution and may be deployed within the perimeter. Perimeter controls that are in place at maximum-security facilities include PID systems consisting of camera surveillance, electronic surveillance for movement, armed mobile patrols, and elevated security towers.

Inmate transfers

• CSC has a rigorous case management process in place and all transfers (voluntary, involuntary or emergency) are made in accordance with the CCRA
• Transfers play an important role in CSC’s ability to manage the inmate population within our legal framework and are key to meeting CSC’s mission and mandate
• Transfers from an institution to another may occur for many reasons, including when an inmate’s security classification is reviewed to respond to reassessed security requirements or to ensure inmates have access to the appropriate programs based on their correctional plan needs, such as facilities that specialize in managing sex offenders and protective custody cases
• When transferring an inmate, CSC selects the appropriate level of security by taking into account the degree and type of control they require to ensure the ongoing safety of the public, victims, inmates, and our staff. All transfers of inmates to lower levels of security occur only after CSC has duly considered public safety
• As inmates progress through the correctional system to lower security levels and earn more freedom of movement within the institution, the programs and activities are tailored to more closely reflect the conditions the inmate is likely to encounter once released into the community. A transfer to lower security allows the inmate to experience responsibilities to prepare for reintegration into the community

Eligibility for transfer to a Healing Lodge

• In all cases, CSC thoroughly assesses an inmate’s risk to public safety before a decision is made to transfer an inmate to a Healing Lodge. The safety and security of staff and inmates are paramount when making decisions about inmate accommodation
• Transfers are made to manage security requirements within an institution. All transfers are made in accordance with the CCRA, and CSC performs risk assessments before transferring an inmate to any facility. Transfers play an important role in CSC's ability to manage the inmate population, while allowing inmates to have access to programs that may not be available at their current institution and prepare them for conditional release
• This also allows for inmates to be housed in an environment that is consistent with their safety and security needs
• Non-Indigenous inmates are allowed to live in a Healing Lodge if they choose to follow Indigenous programming and spirituality and they are not required to self-identify as Indigenous
• There are a number of Commissioner's Directives and Guidelines related to transferring inmates, such as Commissioner’s Directive (CD) 710-2, Transfer of Inmates

Changes in CSC’s transfer policies

• In November 2018, CSC revised the policies governing the transfer of inmates (including transfers to Healing Lodges). Those revisions can be summarized as follows:
  • the role of the Deputy Commissioner for Women was strengthened in reference to the decision-making processes for the potential transfers of women inmates to Healing Lodges
  • the need for the engagement of Indigenous communities in transfer recommendations was reaffirmed; and
  • the length of an inmate’s sentence, the time remaining before an inmate is eligible for an Unescorted Temporary Absence, and further requirements for long-term inmates were added as considerations when making decisions regarding the transfer of inmates to Healing Lodges
• These changes were developed following a September 26, 2018, request from the Minister of Public Safety to CSC to review the transfer policies surrounding a high-profile transfer to a Healing Lodge
• In June 2019, An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act and another Act received Royal Assent. The Act introduced several changes including, but not limited to:
  • guidance for the consideration of systemic and background factors affecting Indigenous Peoples
  • the elimination of administrative and disciplinary segregation and the introduction of Structured Intervention Units (SIU)
  • the granting of authority to the Commissioner to assign security classification to a penitentiary, or to any area in a penitentiary; and
  • the granting of authority to the Commissioner to designate a penitentiary, or any area in a penitentiary to be a SIU or a Health Care Unit
• The corresponding revisions to policy governing the transfer of inmates took effect in November 2019:
  • the term “Aboriginal” was replaced with the term “Indigenous”
  • the expression “Aboriginal community” was replaced with the expression “Indigenous governing body or any Indigenous organization”
  • Indigenous Social History must now be considered when making decisions affecting Indigenous inmates
  • policy direction to transfer an inmate to a SIU is now pursuant to Commissioner’s Directive 711 and Guidelines 711-1 and 711-2; and
  • transfers to and from a Health Care Unit is a two-step process, which requires a clinical admission or discharge followed by a transfer decision

Conditional release

• As with all criminal justice policies, the Government of Canada will be guided by evidence
• To keep our communities safe, CSC strives to gradually release and safely reintegrate federal offenders through structured community supervision and works with criminal justice partners to ensure this goal
• Research shows that society is best protected when an offender is gradually reintegrated into society through supervised release, rather than released at the end of the sentence with no controls or support
• Should any change in an offender’s behaviour occur that would alter the risk to the public, CSC takes immediate action to reassess the release
• If it is determined that an offender cannot be managed safely in the community, the offender’s conditional release will be suspended resulting in a return to custody. The offender’s release can ultimately be revoked by the PBC

Harm reduction

• Canadians across the country have been impacted by the tragic and ongoing opioids crisis, and those living within our federal institutions are no exception
• One of CSC’s top priorities is ensuring that incarcerated offenders have access to quality, safe, patient-centred health care
• To help save lives and prevent the spread of infectious diseases, over the last number of years, CSC has introduced a number of harm reduction measures to better support those living with problematic substance use challenges
• This includes the Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT), the expansion of the Prison Needle Exchange Program (PNEP), and the establishment of the world’s only prison-based Overdose Prevention Service (OPS)
• Mental health and problematic substance use is first-and-foremost a health issue, and we continue to work to break down stigma, while providing effective and appropriate treatments
• CSC’s provision of these services continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts have resumed to continue the implementation of PNEP and OPS at additional sites across the country

Contraband

• The Government of Canada continues to address substance use as a health issue, while at the same time balancing and upholding our public safety priorities
• As part of this, CSC works to prevent contraband, including drugs and substances, from entering our institutions through a combination of detection equipment, searches and other techniques
• CSC also works closely with local police agencies and communities to support this goal
• Drone technology continues to evolve and that is why CSC will continue to research and introduce new technology to better facilitate the detection of contraband

Saskatchewan mass tragedy

Proposed response

• We offer our deepest sympathies to all of those who continue to be affected by this horrible tragedy
• CSC and PBC have convened a National Joint Board of Investigation (BOI) into this matter
• The investigation will:
  • Examine all the facts and circumstances surrounding the conditional release, community supervision and PBC decisions in the case of Myles Sanderson
  • Including whether policies and protocols were followed
  • Identify any recommendations and corrective measures, as needed
• Once complete, the findings of the investigation will be shared publicly and, subsequently, any measures that will be implemented in response to any recommendations
• The PBC and CSC expect to be in a position to share the results of the BOI and its recommendations later this fall
• The length of time to complete an investigation varies according to the complexities of the case and whether there are other ongoing investigations or inquiries

4. La Macaza Institution

Overview

• All of the institution’s buildings are located inside a security perimeter
• It is important to know that medium security facilities have the same perimeter controls as maximum-security institutions (high fences, armed controls, armed correctional officers equipped with proper security equipment, etc.)
• These facilities are strictly guarded 24/7, inmate movement is controlled, and we have rigorous security protocols

Programming

• La Macaza Institution is characterized by its expertise in the treatment of sex offenders
• In addition to other CSC programming, the Integrated Correctional Program Model (ICPM) multi-target programs for sex offenders are offered at this institution. This includes both the moderate- and high-intensity levels

La Macaza Insitution

• Well-defined perimeter, high fences and armed controlled
• Strictly guarded 24/7
• Inmate movement is monitored and controlled
• Inmate participates and engages in their correctional plan
• Access to programs and interventions
• Access to visits and family and volunteer support systems

Millhaven Institution

• Well-defined perimeter, high fences and armed controlled
• Strictly guarded 24/7
• Inmate movement is strictly monitored and controlled
• Inmate shows interest in their correctional plan
• Access to programs and interventions
• Access to visits and family and volunteer support systems

5. Proposed Legislation

Bill C-320 - An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (disclosure of information to victims)

Quick facts

• Sponsor: Colin Carrie, CPC (Oshawa)
• Current Status: At consideration in committee in the House of Commons. Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security.
• Government’s Position: Support
• Summary: This enactment amends the CCRA to provide that information that is disclosed to the victim of an offence regarding eligibility dates and review dates applicable to the inmate in respect of temporary absences, releases or parole must include an explanation of how the dates were determined.

Bill C-342 - An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (maximum security offenders)

Quick facts

• Sponsor: Tony Baldinelli, CPC (Niagara Falls)
• Current Status: Outside the Order of Precedence. First Reading Completed.
• Government’s Position: n/a
• Summary: This enactment amends the CCRA to require that inmates who have been found to be dangerous offenders or convicted of more than one first degree murder be assigned a security classification of maximum and confined in a maximum-security penitentiary or area in a penitentiary.

Bill C-351 - An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (maximum security offenders)

• Sponsor: Bernard Genereux, CPC (Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup)
• Current Status: At second reading in the House of Commons
• Government’s Position: n/a
• Summary: This enactment amends the CCRA to require that inmates who have been found to be dangerous offenders or convicted of more than one first degree murder be assigned a security classification of maximum and confined in a maximum-security penitentiary or area in a penitentiary.

Bill C-357, An Act to amend the Government Employees Compensation Act

• Sponsor: Peter Julian, NDP (New Westminster—Burnaby)
• Current Status: Outside the Order of Precedence. First Reading Completed.
• Government’s Position: n/a
• Summary: The bill was introduced in support “of the Union of Safety and Justice Employees' long-standing call to ensure more federal public safety personnel have access to workers' compensation for mental health-related injuries so that federal public safety personnel do not fall through the cracks anymore. Dr. Rosemary Ricciardelli highlights that hundreds of dedicated federal parole officers who supervise Canada's highest-risk offenders are experiencing untenable levels of occupational stress and compromised mental health. My bill would fix the current inequitable system for federal government employees whose benefits and entitlements depend on the province where they live. We must ensure all federal government employees are treated equitably…This bill supports the long-standing call of the Union of Safety and Justice Employees to ensure that more federal public safety personnel have access to workers' compensation for mental health-related injuries. The bill will correct the current inequitable system for federal government employees, whose benefits and rights depend on which province they live in. These employees must be treated equally.”

6. SECU membership and relevant quotes

Committee Overview

Liberal Party of Canada (LPC)

Conservative Party of Canada (CPC)

Bloc Quebecois (BQ)

New Democratic Party (NDP)