Appearance before the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU) Main Estimates 2026-2027: May 28, 2026

1. Financial snapshot

Main Estimates 2026 to 2027

Explanation of significant changes

The net increase of $138.0 million compared to Main Estimates 2025 to 2026 is primarily attributable to additional funding for:

• Collective agreements $143.4M
• Class action lawsuits $124.3M
• Investments in correctional facilities $45.2M, and
• Increases associated to the Employee Benefit Plan $23.7M

These increases are partially offset by decreases resulting from the following:

• Expiry of temporary funding for workers' compensation benefits $106.6M
• Reductions due to Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER) $66.2M, and
• Reductions due to Refocusing Government Spending $20.6M

Published Main Estimates table

Core responsibility: Care and custody

Core responsibility: Correctional interventions

Core responsibility: Community supervision

Core responsibility: Internal services

2. Hot issues notes

2.1 Comprehensive Expenditure Review

• The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) remains committed to achieving savings in a manner that minimizes operational impacts and does not compromise institutional or public safety
• The 2025 federal budget provides for a reduction of $132.2 million for CSC by the end of fiscal year 2028-2029. The Comprehensive Expenditure Review exercise focused not only on savings but also on transforming how CSC operates
• We are streamlining operations and services, modernizing practices, and ensuring resources align with core institutional needs, while maintaining high standards of safety and security. We are confident that the changes will continue to ensure the safety and security of our institutions and communities

If pressed – Mobile patrol

• With new innovative technologies being introduced, CSC is committed to reviewing its deployment standards to ensure they reflect today's operational realities
• While Correctional Officer posts, including Mobile Patrol posts, remain an important component of security, improvements in contraband detection strategies and technology, as well as continued direct supervision by operational and non-operational staff will continue to support the effective response to threats, using a layered approach to security

If pressed - Librarians

• Access to reading materials and learning resources plays a meaningful role in supporting offender rehabilitation
• Libraries have long contributed to literacy development, education, personal growth, and constructive use of time
• CSC has carefully reviewed library services and considered feedback from parliamentarians, stakeholders and Canadians as part of this process
• As a result, CSC has decided not to move forward with this Comprehensive Expenditure Review measure. Existing librarian positions within federal institutions will be maintained

If pressed - Postsecondary education

• CSC recognizes the important role education plays in supporting the safe and successful reintegration of offenders
• In line with our mandate, the primary focus is ensuring that offenders who have not yet completed secondary school have opportunities to upgrade their education and work toward a secondary school diploma. These programs help build the literacy, academic, and personal development skills needed for reintegration
• CSC is also committed to making post-secondary education accessible for offenders through partnerships with local universities and colleges
• For example, the Walls to Bridges (W2B) program offers post-secondary courses in a unique classroom setting that brings together incarcerated learners and university students. These courses allow inmates to earn recognized post-secondary credits at no cost
• Through CORCAN, we also continue to engage with provincial Canadian trade associations, universities and colleges to provide job training to offenders

If pressed - CEGEP

• CSC does not receive dedicated funding for post-secondary education
• Historically, the only exception was a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Cégep Marie Victorin in Quebec. The current Cégep MOU remains in place until the end of the summer semester and applied only to two institutions, Cowansville and Joliette, where instructors delivered courses in person
• CSC has had ongoing discussions with CEGEP Marie Victorin regarding a potential new model, which would provide greater access and equity for all federal inmates in Quebec
• Although CSC does not fund post-secondary studies, a range of no cost opportunities remain available to offenders through partnerships with external organizations and educational institutions
• CSC will continue to focus its efforts on the core educational needs of offenders and provide them with training that meets labour market needs and supports employment outcomes

If pressed - Workforce adjustment

• CSC put forward savings proposals designed to minimize operational disruption and impacts on our employees
• CSC is a large and complex organization with over 20,000 employees
• 611 indeterminate employees received letters to inform them that their position may be affected by future changes, the vast majority of which are in administrative and internal services roles
• We expect that the number of involuntary departures will be reduced due to Voluntary Departure Programs and the Early Retirement Incentive, both of which are currently underway

If pressed - Community Employment Coordinators

• CSC is discontinuing the Community Employment Coordinator function to reduce duplication with services already available in the community and will be making full use of similar employment services already offered by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), other levels of government, and various non-governmental organizations
• CSC has 25 indeterminate community employment coordinators, and plans to discontinue these positions. The total cost savings are expected to be $2.4 million annually
• Parole Officers will remain responsible for assessing employment needs and connecting individuals with existing community-based employment programs
• These services include job-readiness training, skills development opportunities, résumé assistance, and referrals to employers and employment support agencies already operating in the community

If pressed - Detector Dog Teams

• With respect to Detector Dog Teams (DDTs), while changes are being made to how they are deployed, the program will continue. We will continue to focus our resources where they are most needed to prevent contraband from entering our institutions
• Building on the strong results achieved by regionally centralized DDTs within the program, this model will now be expanded to all DDTs. Under this approach, they will be organized into regional teams and report directly to Regional Headquarters
• They will be deployed to different sites as required, based on risk, intelligence, and operational requirements. DDTs will continue to be based out of institutions, maintaining a strong on site presence
• CSC continues to monitor emerging threats and adapt its approach, as required, to maintain the safety and security of its institutions

2.2 Contraband and drone detection

• Protecting the safety and security of our institutions remains a top priority for CSC
• CSC responds to the threat posed by drones through several security practices, intelligence activities, technological supports, and infrastructure enhancements
• This includes current work on the deployment of body scanners at institutions, and the ongoing implementation of radiofrequency jammers and other technological countermeasures to prevent unauthorized communications and contraband deliveries
• The federal Spring Economic Update includes approved funding of $60.4 million over three years starting in 2026-2027, and $2.3 million ongoing, to expand CSC's pilot use of jamming technologies and support related security enhancements
• This is an important step to protecting staff and maintaining safe operations
• We are expanding our pilot related to the operation of jamming technologies, to mitigate the impact of drones, the results of which will inform further utilization at select institutions in the future. We will also deploy jamming systems designed to disrupt unauthorized cellular and electronic communications within defined institutional perimeters
• Jamming for drones prevents physical delivery of contraband, while cellular jamming disrupts the communication that enables organized criminal activity. Both tools will be integrated into CSC’s layered approach to contraband, which include existing detection systems, intelligence analysis, dynamic security practices, infrastructure enhancements, law enforcement partnerships and emergency response protocols
• We continue to introduce full body scanners at institutions across the country, with a plan to have them at all institutions by the end of the 2029-2030 fiscal year

Jamming

• In March 2025, the Government of Canada announced an exemption allowing CSC to use radiofrequency jamming technologies to help prevent unauthorized communications and contraband deliveries in institutions
• We are expanding our pilot related to the operation of jamming technologies, to mitigate the impact of drones, the results of which will inform further utilization at select institutions in the future. We will also deploy jamming systems designed to disrupt unauthorized cellular and electronic communications within defined institutional perimeters
• CSC is developing clear protocols for the responsible use of these technologies, including staff training and site specific assessments
• We are also expanding our pilot use of radiofrequency jammers and will continue to assess their effectiveness, which will inform decisions around further utilization at institutions in the future

Responses to contraband and drones

• CSC continues to respond to the threat posed by contraband and drones using a layered approach, which includes existing detection systems, intelligence analysis, dynamic security practices, infrastructure enhancements, law enforcement partnerships and emergency response protocols
• Technological supports include intrusion detection systems for drones and throwovers, ferromagnetic detectors and ion scanners, the increased use of body scanners, and deployment of radiofrequency jammers
• Non-technological supports include the use of Detector Dog Teams, enhancements to infrastructure, dynamic security and search practices, and partnerships with law enforcement and the community
• CSC continues to identify new technologies as they become available to facilitate the detection of contraband. In October 2024, regulations governing the use of body scanners came into force and CSC is now working on the deployment of these systems, with a plan to have them at all institutions by the end of the 2029-2030 fiscal year

Numbers

• There were 899 drone-related incidents reported at our institutions in fiscal year 2023-2024, 1,064 in fiscal year 2024-2025 and 839 in fiscal year 2025-2026

2.3 Staff safety

• CSC is committed to ensuring a safe work environment for the thousands of dedicated staff who have the challenging task of managing a complex and diverse offender population
• Measures are in place to prevent harassment and violence in the workplace and to protect the health and safety of our employees
• Within our institutions, this includes the appropriate security placement of offenders, an engagement and intervention model to respond to incidents, drug detection and identification tools and ongoing staff training
• Within our communities, CSC supports staff safety through the use of structured risk assessment tools, established safety protocols, and specialized training focused on situational awareness and risk management during community supervision activities
• The federal spring economic update outlines targeted investments to strengthen our ability to detect and disrupt drone activity and enhance security technologies in our institutions
• This is an important step to protecting staff and maintaining safe operations

Springhill Institution

• Incidents of staff assault are taken very seriously by CSC. Specific to Springhill Institution, reviews are underway, and we will continue working closely with partners, to ensure accountability and strengthen prevention, where possible
• We recognize the threat posed by contraband, including drugs and weapons, entering institutions by drones
• The Spring Economic Update outlines targeted investments to strengthen CSC’s ability to detect and disrupt drone activity and enhance security technologies in our institutions, which is an important step to protecting staff and maintaining safe operations
• Supporting our employees goes beyond responding to incidents. It means investing in safer workplaces, modern tools, and strong mental health supports. We remain committed to ensuring our staff have the tools and resources they need

Staff assaults

• Staff assaults are taken very seriously. Police may be called for any criminal offences and both criminal and internal disciplinary charges can be laid against inmates. CSC acts promptly to ensure measures are in place to protect staff and ensure ongoing support. 
• At the end of fiscal year 2025-2026, there were 496 incident events of assault on staff reported over the course of the fiscal year, compared to 521 incident events at the end of the previous fiscal year.
• CSC has a comprehensive Employee Protection Protocol (EPP) in place to address incidents where an employee and/or their family may be at greater risk than the normal conditions of work. These guidelines apply to all individuals employed by CSC (indeterminate, term and casual, as well as those on secondment to CSC or working part-time) at all times regardless of location (i.e. not only at institutions but also in parole and administrative offices, residences, public spaces, etc.).

2.4 Escapes

• Ensuring the safety and security of Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) institutions and Canadian communities remains the Service’s top priority
• While escapes are not frequent, we take them seriously and work to prevent them by assessing every inmate to confirm that they are placed at the appropriate security level
• The number of inmates who escaped federal institutions across the country represents about 0.1% of the total inmate population in 2025-2026
• CSC has also strengthened partnerships with law enforcement agencies to ensure the timely exchange of information to support the effective recapture of inmates
• CSC reviews the circumstances of each escape, and when improvements to policies and procedures are identified, they are considered and implemented as needed

Minimum security

• Most escapes occur from minimum-security facilities
• In recent years, CSC has strengthened its assessment for those seeking a transfer to a minimum institution
• Only those offenders who are assessed as having a low risk to public safety in the event of escape, a low institutional adjustment rating, and a low escape risk are placed in such an institution

Issue

The security measures in place at any institution reflect the degree of control required to maintain the good order of the institution and to protect staff, inmates and the public.

CSC takes the possibility of escapes seriously. There are a number of operational practices in place to prevent escapes, and CSC regularly explores innovative security tools to enhance its capacity to limit and prevent escapes. The exact measures and design features in use at a specific site cannot be disclosed for safety and security reasons.

Inmates who escaped federal institutions represent about 0.1% of the total inmate population in 2025-2026. While the number of escapes fluctuates from year to year, efforts to promote active security, encourage positive interactions between employees and inmates, enhance risk evaluation quality and ensure effective case management practices have had a positive impact in reducing the number of escapes.

Procedures following the capture of an inmate

Following the capture of an inmate who has escaped or who was unlawfully at large (UAL), the inmate will be detained at an institution at the appropriate security level in the region of the arrest. The region in which the inmate is recaptured/returned is responsible for determining the placement and security level. Readmission procedures may differ by region.

Offenders who escape can be criminally charged under Section 145 of the Criminal Code. Additionally, under the CCRA, offenders can be institutionally charged for actions taken for the purpose of escaping or in assisting another offender to escape. In addition to potential disciplinary charges, CSC will consider security reclassification for the offender.

2.5 Wrongful releases

• Ensuring the safety and security of Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) institutions and Canadian communities remains the Service’s top priority
• CSC has strict safeguards in place to prevent such incidents
• The release of an offender begins with the pre-release process, well before an offender is set to be released
• During this process, CSC confirms that the offender can be released (i.e. no outstanding warrants, etc.), works with the offender to plan their release and ensure that the offender has the necessary supports in place
• CSC will also complete a number of tasks such as ensuring that the offender has ID, as well as updating their photograph and preparing the release certificate
• On the day of the release, the offender will be taken to the Admission and Discharge area to confirm the offender’s identity, through multiple verifications by multiple staff members, to ensure that the correct offender is being released
• The offender will be provided with a copy of their release certificate, as well as an updated CSC identification card and other existing pieces of identification, amongst other materials
• CSC is also obligated to provide certain information to local police within 24 hours, including an up-to-date photograph of the offender, a copy of the release certificate, the standard profile and the PBC decision sheet (if applicable)

Custer

• This inmate fled from lawful custody when being transported by staff from Saskatchewan Penitentiary before he was apprehended by the Prince Albert Police Service
• Preliminary results from the internal review indicate possible procedural errors. The escaped inmate may have impersonated another offender with the same last name, who was scheduled to be released that day
• Immediate measures were implemented following the incident, including enhanced administrative verification related to inmate releases
• The offender has been placed at a heightened security level for his role in this incident and faces additional charges related to the escape
• A disciplinary investigation is also ongoing, and the employees involved are currently on administrative leave pending the results

2.6 Radicalized offenders

• Radicalization is not a new phenomenon in federal corrections; rather, CSC has a long history of successfully managing offenders who have been radicalized
• Extensive case management plans are developed to manage radicalized offenders, including detailed correctional plans that are customized for each offender’s risk and needs
• Programming works to target violence and the influence of antisocial associates, which are common to radicalized offenders
• In addition, CSC reviews interventions used in other jurisdictions to ensure that current and best practices are applied
• CSC does, and will, continue to share information with both domestic and international partners, including within the law enforcement and national security community, to keep Canadians safe
• If an offender's risk is assessed as unmanageable in the community, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has the authority to refer the case to the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) for detention, a process designed to keep high-risk offenders in prison past their statutory release date (two-thirds of their sentence)

Ashton Larmond

• In the last year, our government introduced multiple bills to combat crimes and keep our communities safe
• The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) imposes conditions when an offender is released on Statutory release
• In certain cases, the PBC may impose a condition requiring an offender to reside in a Community-Based Residential Facility, which is the most restrictive form of release
• For offenders in the community, any risk is managed through strict monitoring and supervision strategies
• We take our mandate to protect the safety of our communities very seriously and when the risk of an offender is increased or there is a change in an offender’s behaviour or compliance with their conditions, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) takes immediate action, which can include suspending their release and returning them to custody

Issue

Statutory Release (SR) requires federally sentenced offenders to serve the final third of their sentence in the community, under supervision, and with certain conditions. Offenders serving life or indeterminate sentences are not eligible for SR.

As a form of conditional release, the purpose of SR is to help offenders become law-abiding citizens by providing them with intervention, assistance, programs and necessary controls required to minimize the risk of their committing new offences. Recognizing that there is always an element of risk of re-offending associated with the release of an offender, supervision provides an opportunity to ensure support and monitoring of the offender’s reintegration, thereby minimizing the risk of recidivism.

There is a comprehensive period of pre-release planning that is undertaken before an offender is returned to the community; this is the case even when an offender is to be released after having fulfilled their entire sentence. Parole officers work with offenders and, if warranted, community agencies to ensure that a plan is in place to support the safe return of the offender to the community.

The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) can impose a residency requirement on SR to a Community-Based Residential Facility (CBRF) or a psychiatric facility where, in the absence of such a condition, the offender will present an undue risk to society by committing, before the expiration of their sentence according to law, an offence set out in Schedule I of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (offences involving violence) or an offence under Section 467.11, 467.12, or 467.13 of the Criminal Code (criminal organization offences). The imposition of such a condition is the most restrictive form of release. The increased level of supervision provides a more controlled and structured release, including daily monitoring and prompt interventions to address increases in risk and pre-empt any potential re-offending or breach of condition.

If an offender's risk is assessed as unmanageable in the community, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has the authority to refer the case to the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) for detention, a process designed to keep high-risk offenders in prison past their statutory release date (two-thirds of their sentence). The PBC holds the exclusive authority to order this detention, ensuring public safety when there are reasonable grounds to believe an offender will commit a serious offence before their sentence expires.

The protection of society is the paramount consideration when the offender's risk changes. If all other options for managing the offender safely in the community have been exhausted, the offender’s SR will be suspended by CSC , resulting in a return to custody. The offender’s release can ultimately be revoked by the PBC.

2.7 Conditional release

• To keep communities safe, CSC works with its criminal justice partners to gradually release and safely reintegrate federal offenders through structured community supervision
• Research shows that society is best protected when an offender is gradually reintegrated into society through supervised release, rather than at the end of their sentence with no controls or support
• If the offender’s behaviour changes and there is an increased risk to public safety, CSC takes immediate action to reassess the offender’s risk and behaviour under supervision and review their supervision strategy
• If it is determined that an offender cannot be safely managed 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 Parole Board of Canada (PBC)
• Over the past decade, there has been a steady and substantial improvement in the percentage of federal offenders not returning to federal custody within 5 years of sentence expiration:  
  • From 84.7% in 2016-2017 to 89.2% in 2025-2026 for all offenders
  • 88.8% for men in 2025-2026
  • 94.3% for women in 2025-2026
  • From 77.1% in 2016-2017 to 85.6% in 2025-2026 for Indigenous offenders

Statistics

Of 7,199 offenders who were on Day Parole or Full Parole for at least one day during the fiscal year, 0.3% were convicted with a violent offence committed while under supervision, and 1.0% were convicted with a non-violent offence committed while under supervision.

Between fiscal years 2020-2021 to 2025-2026:

• The number of offenders supervised in the community by CSC on conditional release decreased from 9,113 at the end of fiscal year 2020 to 2021 to 9,109 at the end of fiscal year 2025-2026, a decrease of 0.04 per cent
• The number of offenders supervised on Day Parole increased from 1,406 to 1,736, an increase of 23.5 per cent
• The number of offenders supervised on Full Parole decreased from 4,503 to 4,220, a decrease of 6.28 per cent
• The number of offenders supervised on Statutory Release decreased from 2,715 to 2,693, a decrease of 0.81 per cent
• The number of offenders supervised on Long-Term Supervision Orders increased from 489 to 460, a decrease of 5.93 per cent

The in-custody population experienced a consistent increase since 2021-2022. At the end of the fiscal year 2025-2026 the in-custody population reached its highest point in the last 20 years with a total of 15,782 offenders in-custody, representing an increase of 12.6% over the last 20 years.

Over the past 10 years (from 2016-2017 to 2025-2026) the total offender population supervised in the community increased by 2.5%. Over the past 20 years, the rate of in-custody women has doubled, with sites currently at or exceeding rated capacity.

2.8 Unescorted Temporary Absences - Offender Ray

• Well in advance of any conditional release, including Unescorted Temporary Absences (UTAs), CSC works with police services during case preparation and release planning to seek their input on public safety risks and operational considerations
• At this phase of the offender’s reintegration efforts, participation in Unescorted Temporary Absences (UTAs) was the next planned and incremental step in a structured, gradual reintegration process
• As a matter of practice, we consulted with the Durham Regional Police Service prior to any decision-making. We always take any comments received seriously and integrate them into our safety planning
• While the offender’s offenses are inexcusable, CSC is not aware of information throughout the decision-making process that indicates the offender currently poses an unacceptable risk to the public. CSC continues to work closely with Durham Police to ensure appropriate supervision and ongoing assessment of risk of any offenders released within their jurisdiction
• Since the UTA occurred, we met again with the Durham Police as part of our ongoing collaborative efforts. We had a positive and productive discussion about CSC ’s processes and opportunities to work further together in pre-release planning, including any mitigation strategies such as clearer public information, to best support the safety of our communities

UTAs

• All Temporary Absences are subject to a comprehensive risk assessment
• Eligible inmates considered manageable risk can be released on an Unescorted Temporary Absence (UTA) to take part in programs and for rehabilitation purposes
• Various supervision requirements may also be applied to further enhance public safety during a UTA, including the condition of reporting to the police or a parole supervisor
• If the offender's behaviour changes and there is an increased risk to public safety, CSC takes immediate action to reassess the offender’s risk and behaviour under supervision and review their supervision strategy
• Research shows that society is best protected when an offender is gradually reintegrated into society through supervised release, rather than at the end of their sentence with no controls or support

2.9 Security classification and transfers

Security classification

• CSC contributes to the safety of institutions and the public by ensuring that all inmates are placed in institutions that match their security classification level
• Inmates are classified based on the necessary degree of supervision and control within the penitentiary, escape risk, and risk to public safety in the event of an escape
• For the purposes of determining the initial security classification and its reassessment, CSC uses evidence-based assessment tools and relies on the professional judgment of specialized staff and psychological evaluations, where applicable
• In accordance with policy, CSC is required to reassess the security classification of inmates at least once every two years for those with a maximum or medium security rating

Inmate transfers

• Transfers from one institution to another may occur for many reasons, including when an inmate’s security classification is reviewed
• All transfers to lower levels of security occur only after CSC has duly considered an inmate’s risk and how best to manage it
• An inmate can be returned to a higher security level at any point if deemed necessary to ensure the safety of the public or the institution

Security classification

All inmates entering federal custody undergo a full assessment and referral process to identify their program and security needs, which may include health considerations, correctional programs, as well as employment and education assessments.

Initial security classification and subsequent security reclassification includes the use of evidence-based assessment instruments along with the professional judgment of specialized staff and psychological assessments, if applicable.

The following factors are considered in assigning a security classification to each inmate:

1. the seriousness of the offence committed by the inmate
2. any outstanding charges against the inmate
3. the inmate’s performance and behaviour while under sentence
4. the inmate’s social, criminal and, if available, young-offender history and any dangerous offender designation under the Criminal Code
5. any physical or mental illness or disorder suffered by the inmate
6. the inmate’s potential for violent behaviour; and
7. the inmate’s continued involvement in criminal activities

As per policy, CSC must review the security classification of medium and maximum-security inmates at least every two years. Classification reviews must also be undertaken following a significant event (i.e., serious incident; escape, etc.). The inmate security classification process also takes into consideration Indigenous Social History (ISH) for Indigenous inmates.

Placement and transfers

Section 28 of the CCRA requires CSC to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the penitentiary in which an inmate is confined is one that provides them with the least restrictive environment for that person, taking into account

1. the degree and kind of custody and control necessary for
2. the safety of the public,
3. the safety of that person and other persons in the penitentiary, and
4. the security of the penitentiary;
5. accessibility to
   1. the person’s home community and family,
   2. a compatible cultural environment, and
6. a compatible linguistic environment; and
7. the availability of appropriate programs and services and the person’s willingness to participate in those programs.

We individually assess each situation by gathering information and taking into account the nature of the offence and employ correctional interventions at our institutions to promote safety and facilitate the rehabilitation of the offender. Each offender undergoes an assessment to find the most appropriate institutional placement, which takes into account any risk factors, the nature of the offence, programming needs, physical or mental health concerns and rehabilitation interventions required to ensure the safety of the offender, other offenders and staff working within the facility.

The safety of all offenders in our institutions is a priority and this why we manage institutional populations by ensuring offenders, including gender diverse offenders, are in an environment consistent with their security requirements and that facilitates participation in correctional interventions, to ensure progress towards rehabilitation and reintegration into the community.

Transfers of inmates from one institution to another may occur for many reasons, including when an inmate's security classification is reviewed. All transfers of inmates to lower levels of security occur only after CSC has duly considered such aspects as public safety, required degree of control and supervision in the penitentiary and the risk of escape.

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 minimum security allows the inmate to experience greater autonomy to prepare for a safe reintegration into the community.

2.10 Victim services and victim notification

• CSC is committed to upholding victims’ rights to information, protection and participation so that victims of federal offenders have an effective voice in Canada’s criminal justice system
• Our National Victim Services Program is focused on engaging victims of offenders serving a federal sentence from a victim-centred, trauma-informed perspective
• The intent is to provide victims with a voice at a time when their well-being and dignity may have been undermined. This can help them regain a sense of control over their lives and restore their confidence in the justice system
• In 2024-2025, CSC provided services to over 9,000 registered victims. During this period, CSC ’s Victim Services Officers reached out to victims more than 50,000 times to share information about the offender that harmed them. This is done based on a victim's expressed preferences obtained either verbally or in writing, or through CSC 's secure online Victims Portal
• To ensure that all victims have access to the information they are entitled to receive, CSC continues to raise awareness about its program with victims, stakeholders, and criminal justice partners

Bill S-12

• The Government of Canada has acknowledged concerns from victims and stakeholders about the challenges victims face in accessing information throughout the criminal justice process
• To address this, Bill S-12, which was passed into law, requires courts to inquire whether a victim wishes to receive information about an offender and their progression throughout the course of their sentence
• A new provision will also require Courts to forward the name and contact information for any victim who wishes to receive such information
• Once in effect, CSC will begin proactively contacting victims to explain their rights and offer services that may be helpful to them
• To prepare for this change, CSC is currently working with all provinces and territories to establish secure information-sharing arrangements

Background

The CCRA recognizes that victims of crime have an important role to play in the criminal justice system. It provides victims with an opportunity to receive information about the offender that harmed them and participate in the federal corrections and conditional release process. Under the CCRA, victims who meet the definition are entitled to receive, upon request, offender-specific information otherwise not available to the public, including the offender’s name, the offence(s) of which the offender was convicted, the court that convicted the offender, the start date and length of the sentence the offender is serving and the offender’s eligibility dates and review dates for temporary absences or parole.

Further discretionary information, such as the name and location of the correctional institution where the offender is being held, may be disclosed to a victim when the Commissioner of CSC determines that the victim’s interest in receiving the information outweighs the potential invasion of the offender’s privacy. Victims may also ask to receive ongoing notifications of changes, such as when federal offenders are transferred to other federal or provincial facilities, including advance notification of a transfer to a minimum-security institution or to a healing lodge.

CSC can also provide registered victims with information about the offender’s progress in meeting the objectives in their Correctional Plan at specific points of their sentence. With consideration to public safety, CSC also provides victims with certain types of information at the time of certain releases, such as the offender’s release date, destination (and whether the offender will be in the vicinity of the victims while travelling to that destination), any conditions of release and a current photograph of the offender. This type of information allows victims to make informed decisions about their safety, which upholds their right to protection.

CSC encourages victims to provide a victim statement related to the continued impact that the crime, incarceration and release of the offenders have had on their lives. These statements can include relevant information about the offender, along with any safety concerns the victim may have and requests for conditions. This is the principal way that victims exercise their right to participation within the corrections and conditional release process. Victims are able to update these statements at any time, and offender case management teams are required by policy to review and consider any statement on file. As a matter of procedural fairness, CSC explains to victims that their statements are shared with the offender.

To receive information about the federal offender who harmed them, victims are asked to register with either CSC or the Parole Board of Canada (PBC). The registration process allows CSC to confirm that the applicant meets the definition of a victim before sharing protected information with victims about the offender. CSC provides information to victims based on their preferences. Information can be provided by telephone, mail and/or electronically through our secure, online Victims Portal, available 24/7.

2.11 Mother-Child Program

• The safety and security of all children who participate in the Mother-Child Program is our top priority
• There are rigorous eligibility criteria protocols in place for participation in this program
• This includes child welfare screening, as well as ensuring that those residing in the Mother-Child Living Unit have not been convicted of an offence against a child
• The unit is securely locked, and access is restricted to those residing in the unit
• Children who participate in the Mother-Child Program at any institution must be supervised at all times
• Since it was introduced in 1996, 168 mothers and over 200 children have safely participated in the program. In addition to the full-time on-site component, this program offers a variety of activities to support mothers and children, such as bonding services, child welfare engagement, in-person and video visits, counselling, education, legal and mediation support/liaison, and pre- and post-natal services

Background

The Institutional Mother-Child Program was piloted in 1996 and implemented at all women's sites in 2001. The program aims to strengthen the bond between mothers and their children by keeping them together where appropriate and providing a supportive environment that fosters stability and continuity to their relationship.

The on-site component of the Mother-Child Program enables children to stay with their mothers on a part-time or full-time basis. This component is available in all women's institutions, including the healing lodge, subject to institutional capacity. As of May 7, 2026, there are 3 children participating in the on-site component of the program (2 full-time and 1 part-time).

The best interest of the child is the primary consideration in all decisions related to participation in this program. This is includes considering the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of the child, and the safety and security of the institution, in all activities.

Since its implementation, 200 children have participated in the Mother-Child Program.

Other bonding services are accessible to all women offenders under the Mother-Child Program. These include in-person and video visits, counselling, education, legal and mediation supports, reading programs, escorted temporary absences to attend child-centred activities, and pre- and post-natal services.

A new tracking tool was implemented in April 2025 to collect, track, and report on program participation data, including bonding services.

Safety of children in the program

There are rigorous eligibility criteria protocols in place for participation in this program, including child welfare screening completed by provincial and territorial child and family services, as well as ensuring that those residing in the Mother-Child Living Unit have not been convicted of an offence against a child. Mothers classified as maximum security are not eligible for full or part-time participation with their children but may access other bonding services.

2.12 Gender-Diverse offenders

• CSC effectively manages institutional populations by ensuring that all offenders are in an environment that meets their security requirements, correctional programs, and spiritual and cultural needs, thereby contributing to their safe rehabilitation and reintegration into the community
• The criteria for placement are outlined in the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, which is the basis for CSC ’s policy and reflects a commitment to respecting gender identity and expression
• Offenders may apply for a voluntary transfer to a men’s or a women’s institution according to their gender identity or expression. Each transfer request is assessed on a case-by-case basis and involves an assessment of offenders' needs and risks, as well as any health and safety concerns, including the examination of possible mitigation strategies
• The safety of that person and other persons in the penitentiary is always a top priority. If health or safety concerns are identified and cannot be effectively mitigated, the placement or transfer request may be denied. In all cases, measures are implemented to support the person’s gender-related needs where they reside
• If the offender is not satisfied with the decision, they have access to CSC ’s internal complaint and grievance process as well as external oversight bodies, including the Canadian Human Rights Commission and the Office of the Correctional Investigator

Statistics

At the end of fiscal year 2024-2025, gender diverse individuals represented less than 1% (0.83%) of CSC ’s total offender population.

From 2017-2018, to 2024-2025, CSC received 129 requests from individuals assigned male at birth seeking placement or transfer in a women’s institution. These requests came from 57 individuals:

• 35 approved
• 72 denied
• 22 withdrawn

As of October 2025, there were 90 self-identified transgender women incarcerated in CSC institutions: 73 were housed in men’s institutions (81%) and 17 in women’s institutions (19%).

Current status

In May 2022, CSC issued Commissioner’s Directive (CD) 100: Gender Diverse Offenders. This directive provides overarching policy direction aligned with amendments to Section 2 of the Canadian Human Rights Act and paragraph 4(g) of the CCRA.

This policy supports staff in meeting the needs of gender diverse individuals and reinforces CSC ’s legal duty to accommodate.

2.13 Harm reduction

• Canadians across the country have been impacted by the ongoing opioid crisis, including inmates within federal correctional institutions
• Harm reduction refers to practices that aim to minimize the negative health, social, and legal impacts associated with substance use

Prison Needle Exchange Program

• The Prison Needle Exchange Program (PNEP) is a harm reduction program that provides inmates access to sterile needles to limit the transmission of infectious diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV)
• This program also reduces the public health and safety risk to other inmates, staff, and the community
• As part of the site PNEP implementation consultation process, appropriate safeguards are established to ensure that PNEP kits are safely stored and accounted for at all times
• A Threat Risk Assessment (TRA) is conducted to review all participant applications to ensure the safety and security of staff, inmates, and the institution
• There have been no reported assaults involving staff or inmates associated with this program

Overdose Prevention Service

• The primary goal of the Overdose Prevention Service (OPS) is to prevent overdoses by having health care professionals available to respond immediately in the event of a medical emergency
• Participants of the OPS are provided with access to sterile supplies within the healthcare unit of designated CSC institutions for the single use of their drug under the observation of a health care professional
• The OPS also supports the reduction of the spread of infectious diseases by using sterile supplies, making institutions safer for employees, inmates and the community on release
• Since the start of the program, there have been no fatalities amongst those using the OPS program
• There have also been no drugs provided by CSC to offenders in the context of this program

Background

Lifetime prevalence of problematic alcohol and substance use at the time of admission to federal institutions is assessed as 66% (men) and 61.6% (women) and higher for Indigenous men (85.2%) and women (85.7%). CSC research findings also show that roughly half (49.6%) of the incoming male offender population at time of assessment reported a current substance use problem, and the majority (55.5%) have a concurrent mental health disorder.

Approximately 20 to 22% of men and 27 to 29% of women report a lifetime history of injection drug use.

Past research found that those who inject drugs were 10 times more likely to acquire Hepatitis C (HCV) in custody. 47% of all new HCV infections were associated with injection drug use. 

Substance use services in CSC

CSC ’s approach to substance use is shifting from a primarily stabilization‑ and risk‑reduction‑focused model to a more comprehensive, health‑centred approach that strengthens prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and continuing‑care services. CSC has developed and implemented the National Drugs and Substance Strategy (NDSS), which recognizes substance use as a health issue and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration among Health Services, Case Management, and operational staff to minimize substance related harms. This includes improving early screening, expanding harm‑reduction supports to address a broader range of substances, increasing access to addictions counselling and dedicated treatment programming, and enhancing release planning and community partnerships to support sustained recovery and reduce overdoses, relapse, and reoffending.

For individuals who are not ready to stop using substances, harm reduction remains an important element of care. CSC ’s harm reduction measures include Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT), Prison Needle Exchange Program (PNEP), Overdose Prevention Service (OPS), Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART), and other peer support and harm reduction services (e.g. naloxone nasal spray). These measures are consistent with the federal Government’s Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy and recommendations by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which view substance use as a health issue.

To ensure the safety and security of staff, inmates and the institution, a Threat Risk Assessment (TRA) is conducted to review all PNEP applications. TRAs evaluate factors that could pose a danger to the management of an inmate, the safety of others and the security of an operational unit. This is the same model that is used for the distribution of EpiPens® and insulin needles. Appropriate safeguards have been established in every institution to ensure that PNEP kits are safely stored and accounted for at all times.

As of February 2026, the PNEP has been implemented at 13 institutions across the country. As of February 2026, OPS is available at 5 institutions: Drumheller Institution, Springhill Institution, Collins Bay Institution, Drummond Institution and Warkworth Institution.

Consistent with these efforts, CSC is also modernizing its formulary to ensure safer, evidence‑based prescribing and to reduce the misuse and diversion of high‑risk medications. Effective October 1, 2025, CSC adopted long‑acting injectable buprenorphine (Sublocade) as the first‑line treatment for opioid use disorder, designated methadone as a second‑line open benefit, and transitioned daily buprenorphine‑naloxone (Suboxone) to non‑formulary status following a six‑month phase‑out period. These evidence‑driven changes strengthen the quality and consistency of opioid agonist treatment across institutions, and planned formulary updates in 2026 will apply the same approach to other medications with diversion or misuse potential. 

2.14 Employment standards

• We regularly review the impact of staffing levels at all of our institutions to ensure that the necessary resources are available to meet operational needs
• We have contingency plans with additional measures that can be taken to address staffing levels while continuing our recruitment and retention efforts
• The safety and well-being of our employees will continue to be a priority for CSC
• We recognize that correctional staff perform demanding work. We will continue to work with employees and union partners to maintain safe workplaces

Background

While the National Standards for the Deployment of Correctional Officers are met, staffing requirements can vary depending on many factors, such as time of year, absenteeism and operational requirements, which can result in variances that require daily adjustments. In some cases, these situations result in the use of overtime to maintain safety and continuity of operations. CSC continues to work with labour partners to explore solutions, strengthen cooperation and facilitate the return to work of able employees, including through reintegration plans.

2.15 Overrepresentation of Indigenous offenders

• Indigenous peoples continue to be significantly overrepresented in the federal correctional system. While Indigenous people represent 5.0% of the Canadian population, according to the 2021 Census, 28.6% of offenders under CSC ’s jurisdiction at the end of the 2025-2026 fiscal year were Indigenous. In 2024-2025, 46% of incarcerated women were Indigenous
• The overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in the criminal justice system is a reflection of the systemic disparities that all levels of government must work to address
• CSC is committed to taking action by enhancing cultural supports, streamlining release processes, implementing targeted reintegration and employment initiatives, and establishing leadership roles focused on Indigenous corrections
• Work is also ongoing to develop a culturally responsive, Indigenous-informed security classification process and ensure appropriate initial security level placements
• We continue to provide ongoing funding to support Indigenous offender reintegration through the Community Reintegration Fund, which enhances access to culturally responsive services, urban transition and home community reintegration supports, and Section 84 release planning to address this issue
• We recognize there is more work to be done and will continue to collaborate with our partners to support Indigenous offenders' rehabilitation and successful reintegration

Progress

Section 81

• Under section 81 of the CCRA, CSC collaborates with Indigenous community organizations who participate in the care of Indigenous offenders outside of traditional correctional settings
• Healing lodges offer services and programs that reflect Indigenous culture in an environment that incorporates Indigenous peoples’ traditions and customs. In a healing lodge, the needs of offenders serving federal sentences are addressed through Indigenous teachings and ceremonies, contact with Elders and culturally responsive programming
• At the end of fiscal year 2021-2022, 46.7% (214 of 458) of beds in Section 81 facilities and CSC Healing Lodges were utilized. By the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2025-2026, utilization had increased significantly to 87.2% (399.2 of 458). This substantial rise is likely influenced in part by the impacts of the pandemic, but it also reflects CSC ’s growing prioritization and strengthened efforts to expand and enhance the use of healing lodges across Canada
• CSC ’s Section 81 Strategic Action Plan is focused on the following three priorities:
  1. Enhance the use of existing Section 81 Agreements by addressing barriers to full utilization
  2. Expand the use of Section 81 of the CCRA through new agreements, particularly in under-served geographies
  3. Enhance engagement with Indigenous partners and the whole of government to ensure the use of Section 81 of the CCRA to its full legislative intent

• In fiscal year 2025-2026, CSC worked to revamp section 81 agreements with new formatting to ensure consistency across all agreements. Additionally, CSC is working with communities in the Pacific, Prairies, and Ontario regions to support the creation of additional section 81 facilities

Section 84

• Section 84 of the CCRA provides a legal framework for an offender and CSC to engage with Indigenous communities in the release planning process for offenders who express an interest in serving their eventual conditional or statutory release in an Indigenous community or in an urban area with the support and direction of an Indigenous organization
• CSC is currently updating internal guidelines regarding Section 84 and redeveloping The Path Home Release Planning Kit to ensure staff, offenders and Indigenous organizations/ communities have easy access to all necessary information
• In fiscal year 2025-2026, 510 Indigenous offenders had an established Section 84 release plan prior to their first release, compared to 387 in 2022-2023
• In fiscal year 2024-2025, 467 Indigenous offenders had an established Section 84 release plan prior to their first release
• In fiscal year 2024-2025, 472 offenders were released to a Section 84 location compared to 243 in fiscal year 2020-2021
• As of quarter 3 of 2025-2026, 366 offenders were released to a Section 84 location
• CSC has implemented several reintegration initiatives through the Community Reintegration Fund (CRF) to support Indigenous offenders transitioning to life in community
• As March 2026, CSC is supporting 24 contracts/amended contracts through the Community Reintegration Fund (CRF) for fiscal year 2025-2026, with a combined value of approximately $2.04 million
• As of March 2026, CSC is supporting 12 Contribution Agreements/Amending Agreements through the Indigenous Offender Reintegration Contribution Program (IOR-CP) for fiscal year 2025-2026 across the country. Valued at $1.1 million, these agreements fund culturally grounded services that support the reintegration of Indigenous offenders, while addressing recidivism and the overrepresentation of Indigenous offenders

Elders and Spiritual Advisors

• CSC is legally mandated to ensure that correctional policies, programs and practices respect ethnic, cultural and linguistic differences and are responsive to the special needs Indigenous people
• Through traditional cultural and spiritual interventions, Elders and Spiritual Advisors assist offenders to address the factors stemming from their social history, which contribute to their offending
• In 2025-2026, CSC advanced the review of the Elder contracting model by strengthening policy, oversight, and culturally safe practices for Elder and Spiritual Advisor services by developing the Guide to Culturally Responsive Indigenous Interventions, Walking in a Good Way with Elders and Spiritual Advisors: A Guide for CSC Staff, and a CSC Content Guide to Elder Reviews
• Approximately 185 Elders and Spiritual Advisors were contracted as of December 2025 to provide spiritual, ceremonial and counselling support and teachings to First Nations, Métis and Inuit offenders wishing to engage in the Indigenous Continuum of Care

Anijaarniq Holistic Inuit Strategy and Working Group

• CSC developed the Anijaarniq Holistic Inuit Strategy with the objective of ensuring that Inuit offenders have the support and resources they need to return to their communities as contributing members of their families and society
• At the heart of this Strategy is the vision that Inuit have the support and resources they need to return and remain in their communities as contributing members of their families and society
• CSC is fostering meaningful partnerships with Northern communities, national Inuit organizations, and other stakeholders to support the reintegration of federally incarcerated Inuit through the Anijaarniq Strategy Working Group
• The role of the Anijaarniq Strategy Working Group (ASWG) is to consult and engage on a number of issues, as outlined in the Work Plan developed for the Working Group, including but not limited to Inuit Elder and staff recruitment and creative solutions to support Inuit reintegration and repatriation to their Inuit Nunangat (homeland)
• During the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the DCIC met with the ASWG four times an advnaced serveral initiatives including contracting additional Inuit Elders, repatriating Inuit offenders to Inuit Nunangat, hiring a full-time Inuktitut interpreter, delivering cultural awareness training, conducting the Annual Inuit Case Review, and strengthening partnerships while promoting Inuit culture, language, and land within correctional settings

Background

While decisions with respect to sentencing are outside of CSC ’s control, CSC does influence the time Indigenous offenders spend in custody by providing culturally responsive programs and interventions to address an Indigenous offender’s risk, provide effective rehabilitation and foster successful community reintegration. CSC is committed to making impactful changes and to improve reintegration outcomes for Indigenous offenders in a meaningful way. Notably, there was an increase in the percentage of discretionary releases for Indigenous offenders, from 35.8% in fiscal year 2021-2022 to 42.4% in fiscal year 2024-2025 CSC has introduced many initiatives to address systemic factors that have contributed to the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples, including:

Institutional and structural changes

• In 2017, CSC establishment of Indigenous Interventions Centres to provide streamlined support to Indigenous offenders from the start of their sentence
• Appointment of a Deputy Commissioner for Indigenous Corrections (DCIC) to lead and coordinate Indigenous correctional strategies
• Recent streamlining of the Section 84 release process to remove barriers to participation

Reintegration and community support

• Implementation of reintegration initiatives through the Community Reintegration Fund (CRF), including project funding for Indigenous organizations delivering trauma-informed care and life skills programming
• CSC established a Memorandum of Understanding with Indigenous Services Canada to assist status First Nations people under CSC custody in obtaining or renewing their Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) and accessing Non-Insured Health Benefit (NIHB) prior to release

Culturally responsive programming

• Delivery of culturally responsive interventions for Indigenous offenders, including:
  • Pathways Initiative: An intensive healing intervention involving traditional practices and active Elder engagement
  • Anijaarniq Holistic Inuit Strategy: Developed in 2014 to ensure Inuit offenders have the support and resources needed to reintegrate successfully into their communities
• In quarter 3 of 2025-2026, CSC contracted approximately 185 Elders and Spiritual Advisors to provide spiritual, ceremonial, and counselling support to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit offenders. Elder services remain a priority, with oversight by the EXCOM Sub-Committee on Indigenous Corrections, which is exploring best practices and models through intergovernmental partnerships

Healing Lodges and Section 81 facilities

• Continued support for Section 81 facilities and CSC Healing Lodges, which offer culturally grounded environments for Indigenous healing and reintegration

Staff training and support

• Delivery of Indigenous Social History (ISH) training to CSC staff, aimed at integrating ISH considerations into decision-making and improving responsiveness to the needs of Indigenous offenders
• Responsivity resource kits were developed to provide correctional and education program staff with the tools to work and interact effectively with offenders with special needs and/or those that require special considerations in the program context, such as women and Indigenous people
• Launch of the Connecting Spirits, Creating Opportunities (CSCO) initiative to support Indigenous employees and their managers in career planning to promote retention and succession planning for culturally competent staff. In March 2025, CSCO launched the Leadership Learning Path: Empowering Indigenous Leaders at CSC to enhance their leadership capabilities at any career stage

2.16 Structured Intervention Units

• Structured Intervention Units (SIUs) continue to evolve as part of the ongoing transformation of the federal correctional system that aim to promote the rehabilitation of offenders while maintaining the safety and security of institutions
• To improve the operation of SIUs, CSC has updated its policy suite, including the addition of Procedures Manuals, informed by lessons learned
• New performance indicators and enhanced accountability for the collection and reporting of data will support the implementation of ongoing improvements
• CSC is exploring improvements to correctional interventions to ensure they meet offenders’ needs and support SIU objectives
• These actions, along with efforts to address recommendations from internal and external oversight bodies, will continue to strengthen the operations and oversight of SIUs

Progress

• CSC's enhanced staffing model for the SIUs, which includes Behavioural Skills Coaches, provides additional intervention options for inmates with specific needs and enables more accurate data collection
• CSC is working with external organizations to implement innovative approaches to increase access to interventions and identify additional options for time out of cell and interactions with others
• Examples of these approaches include structured programming (e.g., physical fitness and educational activities), partnerships with external organizations to deliver workshops and support services, and volunteer-led or therapy-based initiatives that promote meaningful interactions and increased out-of-cell time
• CSC continues to review and expand its performance measurement framework to ensure indicators effectively measure progress towards SIU objectives

Background

Bill C-83 received Royal Assent on June 21, 2019, and came into force on November 30, 2019. Part of this Bill sought to eliminate administrative and disciplinary segregation and create SIUs with independent external oversight.

As of March 31, 2026, there have been approximately 14,416 “condition of confinement” referrals made to Independent External Decision Makers (IEDMs) for review. Of those reviewed (8,418), IEDMs concluded 83% of the time that CSC had taken all reasonable steps to provide inmates with opportunities for four hours out of their cell, including two hours of interaction with others. In the remaining decisions, IEDMs may have made recommendations to CSC or directed that the inmate be removed from the SIU.

Results

At the end of fiscal year 2025-2026:

• 67.5% of inmates transferred to an SIU successfully reintegrated into the mainstream inmate population in 2025-2026, compared to 63.1% in 2024-2025
• Median days in SIU in 2025-2026 was 9 days, compared to 13 days in 2024-2025
• There were 215 inmates in SIUs (1.4% of the total number of offenders in custody [14,837]) and 14 inmates subject to Restricted Movement (0.1% of the total number of offenders in custody [14,837])

3. Committee biographies

Liberal Party of Canada

• Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos (Chair)
• Sima Acan
• Marcus Powlowski
• Anthony Housefather
• Jacques Ramsay
• Amandeep Sodhi
• Marianne Dandurand

Conservative Party

• Frank Caputo (Vice-Chair)
• Dane Lloyd
• Chak Au
• Rhonda Kirkland

Bloc Quebecois

• Claude DeBellefeuille (Vice-Chair)

Liberal Party of Canada (LPC)

Conservative Party of Canada (CPC)

Bloc Quebecois (BQ)

4. Current Bills of Interest