Process to transfer an inmate to a healing lodge

An inmate submits a request to serve their sentence in a healing lodge. The inmate may also request full and day parole or they may ask to be sent to the healing lodge at their statutory release date and to spend the conditional release period there.

The inmate's request is forwarded to the healing lodge. The healing lodge director determines whether the lodge will accept the offender. If they are accepted, the regional deputy commissioner approves the transfer.

The Indigenous liaison officer (ILO) will meet with offenders who have expressed an interest in following a healing path, at any point in their sentence. The ILO will refer them to an Elder/spiritual advisor, and will ensure that the offender's parole officer is made aware of this interest. The parole officer will document this in the inmate's correctional plan we well as any future updates/reviews.

CSC's main consideration when reviewing transfer requests is public safety. CSC also ensures that Indigenous communities are engaged in all transfer recommendations.

The receiving region is the decision maker for the inter-regional transfer of an inmate to a men's institution.

In the case of a transfer to a healing lodge for men, the regional deputy commissioner of the receiving region or the assistant deputy commissioner of Correctional Operations is responsible for ensuring that:

1. the executive director/institutional head of the healing lodge is consulted, and
2. a representative from the relevant Indigenous community is engaged in the recommendation.

The deputy commissioner for women is the decision maker for all transfers to women's institutions, including women's Section 81 facilities and CSC's Indigenous healing lodges for women.

In a case of a transfer to a healing lodge for women, the deputy commissioner for women is responsible for ensuring that:

1. the executive director/ institutional head of the healing lodge is consulted, and
2. a representative from the relevant Indigenous community is engaged in the recommendation.

In the case of a medium-security woman offender, the deputy commissioner for women will ensure that a transfer decision to a multi-level healing lodge, which has a defined but not directly controlled perimeter, is made. They will consider the following factors:

1. the length of an inmate's sentence
2. the time remaining before an inmate is eligible for an unescorted temporary absence (UTA)
3. the requirement for a long-term offender to be in the 'preparation for release' or 'reintegration into the community' phase of their correctional plan as per Annex G of CD 705-6

Regular transfer procedures apply to inmates going to a healing lodge, unless it is from intake/pen placement.

The following guidelines outline the specific procedures for admission and transfer:

• GL 710-2-1 CCRA Section 81: Transfers
• GL 710-2-2 Inter-Regional Transfers by Air

GL 710-2-1 has specific steps for staff about how to process a Section 81 transfer.

Indigenous communities may provide the following services under a Section 81 agreement:

• accepting offenders to an Indigenous facility
• operating an urban or rural-based facility designed for Indigenous offenders
• parole supervision
• correctional services in federal institutions or community parole offices

Proposals for new agreements are reviewed at the national management committee level. The final approver is the Minister of Public Safety or their delegate and an Indigenous community equivalent.

GL 541-2 Negotiation, Implementation and Management of CCRA Section 81 Agreements outlines the process and responsibilities for how CSC enters into Section 81 Agreements with Indigenous communities and community groups.

CD 702 Aboriginal Offenders ensures the needs specific to Indigenous offenders are met. It outlines how to provide effective interventions through a continuum-of-care model.

CD 710-2 Transfer of Inmates outlines the responsibilities and references for offender transfers.

• GL 710-2-1 CCRA Section 81: Transfers outlines the process for transferring offenders to Indigenous communities or healing lodges.
• GL 710-2-2 Inter-regional Transfers by Air outlines the paperwork, preparation, equipment, required for air transfers of offenders.
• GL 710-2-3 Inmate Transfer Processes outlines the different inmate transfer processes and related transfer procedures.

CD 541 Interjurisdictional and CCRA Section 81 Agreements provides the framework for the negotiation, management, and delivery of correctional services and programs to offenders.

• GL 541-2 Negotiation, Implementation and Management of CCRA Section 81 Agreements provides direction for the negotiation, implementation and management of CCRA Section 81 agreements.