Parole Applicants – Helpful Information about the Parole Process
Transcript: Parole Applicants – Helpful Information about the Parole Process
The screen opens to an animation of four people sitting at a boardroom table having a conversation.
Text displays: “Parole Applicants -
Helpful Information about the Parole Process”
The screen transitions to a woman in business attire standing in the middle of the screen in an office area.
NARRATOR: Hi there, and welcome. Over the next few minutes, I will be sharing information with you about the parole process, to help give you an idea of how the process works, what to expect at a parole hearing, and how decisions are made.
So, what is parole, who is eligible, and who decides?
The screen transitions to the woman sitting in an office behind a desk.
Under the law, all individuals in federal custody are eligible to be reviewed for parole at some point in their sentence.
The Parole Board of Canada, or PBC, is responsible for making decisions on whether or not to grant, deny, revoke or cancel parole, and to authorize or approve temporary absences.
Graphic display: Parole Board of Canada signature in English and French
The screen transitions to show the woman from a bit further back.
The screen transitions to show a graphic image with blue wave at the top and yellow wave at the bottom with a white background.
Text displays: “What is parole?”
The screen transitions to the woman sitting in an office behind a desk.
NARRATOR: Parole is a carefully constructed bridge between incarceration and return to the community.
It is a type of conditional release and gives offenders an opportunity to serve part of their sentence outside of the institution in the community, under the supervision of a Correctional Service of Canada, or CSC, Parole Officer, with conditions.
Parole does not mean that you are free to do as you please. It means you have an opportunity, under the supervision and assistance of a CSC Parole Officer, to become a contributing member of society, as long as you abide by the conditions of your release.
If you do not follow the conditions of your release, your parole can be suspended and the Parole Board can revoke your parole and return you to prison.
The screen transitions to show a graphic image with blue wave at the top and yellow wave at the bottom with a white background.
Text displays: “Types of parole
Day Parole Full Parole”
NARRATOR: There are two types of parole – day parole and full parole.
The screen changes to the woman on the left-side of the screen in an office area.
NARRATOR: Day parole allows you to participate in community-based activities to help prepare you for full parole or statutory release.
If you are granted day parole, you must return nightly to a community-based residential facility or halfway house unless otherwise authorized by the Board.
Text displays: “Day parole:
-Participate in community-based activities
-Must return nightly to a residential facility or halfway house”
The screen transitions to a close-up of the woman sitting in an office behind a desk.
NARRATOR: In addition to standard conditions of day parole, the Parole Board may also impose special conditions that you must follow.
Text displays: “Day parole:
-Special conditions may be imposed”
The screen changes to the woman standing on the left-side of the screen in an office area.
NARRATOR: Full parole normally comes after you have successfully completed day parole. It allows you to serve part of your sentence under supervision in the community under specific conditions. People on full parole normally live in a private residence.
Text displays: “Full parole:
-Successful completion of day parole
-Serve part of your sentence under supervision in the community
-Live in a private residence”
The screen transitions to show a graphic image with blue wave at the top and yellow wave at the bottom with a white background.
Text displays: “Applying for parole”
The screen transitions to a close-up of the woman standing in the middle of the screen in an office area.
NARRATOR: So, you’re probably wondering, when am I eligible for parole and how do I apply?
The screen transitions to the woman sitting in an office behind a desk.
NARRATOR: For full parole, you normally become eligible at 1/3 of your sentence, or 7 years,
Text displays: “Full parole:
-1/3 sentence
-7 years
-Whichever is less”
NARRATOR: You normally become eligible for day parole six months before your full parole eligibility date.
Text displays: “Day parole:
-6 months before full parole eligibility”
The screen transitions to a close-up of the woman sitting in an office behind a desk.
NARRATOR: Eligibility timeframes may be different depending on your sentence length or if you are serving a life or an indeterminate sentence.
If you do not know your parole eligibility dates, you can ask your Parole Officer.
The screen transitions to the woman standing in the middle of the screen in an office area.
NARRATOR: To apply for day parole, you need to complete an application form. You should talk to your Parole Officer to get more information. They can help you and answer any questions you may have.
The screen transitions to a close-up of the woman sitting in an office behind a desk.
The Parole Board will automatically schedule you for a full parole review one month before your full parole eligibility date. You will be notified by the Parole Board in writing when your review date has been scheduled.
There may be circumstances when you may need to apply to be considered for full parole.
The screen transitions to show the woman sitting at the desk from a bit further back.
Parole application forms ask you to provide your release plans, your possible community supports and reasons for applying.
Text displays: “Release plans
Community supports
Reasons for applying”
NARRATOR: Ask your Parole Officer for an application form. Once you fill it out, they will send it to the Parole Board.
The screen transitions to show a graphic image with blue wave at the top and yellow wave at the bottom with a white background.
Text displays: “Why should you apply for parole?”
NARRATOR: So, why should you apply for parole anyway?
The screen transitions to a close-up of the woman sitting in an office behind a desk.
Well, parole helps you to reintegrate into the community, gradually and safely, with supports while under supervision.
The screen changes to the woman standing on the left-side of the screen in an office area.
NARRATOR: It gives you a chance to:
- develop and connect with your community supports (for example, family, friends, a mental health worker, a substance abuse sponsor, an employment counsellor, a parenting support, a mentor, an Elder, or a spiritual or religious support);
- participate in community programs, interventions, or traditional/cultural practices;
- get a job or upgrade your education; and,
- establish a healthy routine.
Text displays: “Parole helps you:
-Develop and connect with your community supports
-Participate in community programs, interventions, or traditional and cultural practices
-Get a job or upgrade your education
-Establish a healthy routine”
The screen transitions to show a graphic image with blue wave at the top and yellow wave at the bottom with a white background.
Text displays: “What if I am denied parole?”
The screen transitions to a close-up of the woman sitting in an office behind a desk.
NARRATOR: But, you may be wondering, what if I am denied parole? Won’t that look bad on me?
If you are denied parole, the reasons will be given to you at the hearing and will also be outlined in the Parole Board’s written decision that you will also get.
Information you get at the hearing and in the written decision can help you focus on those areas you need to improve, to prepare you for your next parole hearing and your eventual safe return to the community.
The screen transitions to show a graphic image with blue wave at the top and yellow wave at the bottom with a white background.
Text displays: “How do Board members make their decision?”
NARRATOR: So, how do Board members make their decision?
The screen transitions to the woman standing in the middle of the screen in an office area.
Parole Board members make the decision to grant or deny parole in one of two ways: through a parole hearing, or through a file review (sometimes called a paper review).
In most cases, your first day or full parole review will be done through a hearing.
The screen changes to the woman standing on the left-side of the screen in an office area.
NARRATOR: When making decisions, Board members consider all relevant available information. This includes:
- any information you provide verbally or in writing;
- what you have learned, the skills you have developed and any progress you have made by yourself or through participation in programs, cultural or traditional activities or interventions that deal with your risk to re-offend and support your safe return to the community;
- your behaviour in the institution and while on any previous release. For example: what you have done to deal with your risk areas or needs since you committed your offence, what challenges you have faced and how you have dealt with them;
- any relevant background factors, such as poverty, systemic racism, and Indigenous social history, that may have played a role in your criminal and social history;
- any information from the victim of your offence; and,
- your release plan and your community risk management strategy.
Text displays: “Board members consider the following information:
-Information you provide
-What you’ve learned, new skills, participation in programs, activities or interventions
-Behaviour in the institution/while on previous release
-Background factors
-Information from victims
-Release plan and community risk management strategy”
The screen transitions to the woman standing in the middle of the screen in an office area.
NARRATOR: It's important to think about your strengths, skills, motivation and the outside resources, including your community supports, that can help you continue with the positive gains and changes you have made.
The screen transitions to show a graphic image with blue wave at the top and yellow wave at the bottom with a white background.
Text displays: “What is a parole hearing?”
The screen transitions to a close-up of the woman sitting in an office behind a desk.
NARRATOR: So, what is a parole hearing, and what should you expect?
Parole hearings are done in person in the institution or through video conference.
A parole hearing gives Parole Board members a chance to look at your risk, by talking with you about all of the information I just mentioned.
The Parole Board is committed to giving you a respectful, inclusive and safe space to have this conversation.
The screen transitions to show a graphic image with blue wave at the top and yellow wave at the bottom with a white background.
Text displays: “What is a Culturally Responsive Hearing?”
The screen transitions to a close-up of the woman sitting in an office behind a desk.
NARRATOR: There are regular hearings, but also what are called Culturally Responsive Hearings.
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The Parole Board understands the important role that culture and community play in the path to successful reintegration.
Indigenous and Black people, and non-Indigenous people committed to an Indigenous way of life, can ask for a Culturally Responsive Hearing, including Community-Assisted Hearings, which include the participation of an Elder or Cultural Advisor.
The screen transitions to a close-up of the woman sitting in an office behind a desk.
NARRATOR: Elders or Cultural Advisors give Parole Board members important information (for example, information related to culture, traditions, or ceremonies) and may perform ceremonies on request, such as a smudge.
They do not participate in the actual decision-making.
The screen transitions to the woman standing in the middle of the screen in an office area.
You can talk to your Parole Officer to get more information on Culturally Responsive Hearings or ask questions about these.
The screen transitions to show a graphic image with blue wave at the top and yellow wave at the bottom with a white background.
Text displays: “Preparing for a parole hearing”
NARRATOR: So now that you know what a parole hearing is, how do you prepare for one?
The screen transitions to the woman standing in the middle of the screen in an office area.
Once your parole review is scheduled, you will get a letter from the Parole Board with information about your hearing.
It is important that you carefully look over the information you get, and talk to your Parole Officer if you have any questions about any of it.
The screen changes to the woman standing on the left-side of the screen in an office area.
NARRATOR: So, who is at the hearing?
- Your Parole Officer and assistant, if you have one, will be at the hearing with you.
- A Parole Board Hearing Officer and Board members will also be there.
- If you asked for a culturally responsive hearing, a PBC Elder or Cultural Advisor will also be there.
- Victims can be at hearings and give a statement about how the offence has affected them. The statement will be shared with you before the hearing.
- Other observers can also attend, but will not speak during the hearing. This can include: Correctional Service or Parole Board staff members, students, media or members of the public.
Text displays: “Who is at the hearing:
-Parole Officer and assistant
-Parole Board Hearing Officer
-Board members
-PBC Elder or Cultural Advisor
-Victims
-Other observers: Correctional Service or Parole Board staff members, students, media, members of the public”
Image display: Parole Hearing Room Diagram
Text displays: “Parole Hearing Room - Diagram”
The screen changes to a graphic image of a boardroom. There are five figures seated at the table. There is a figure over to the right-hand side. Below the table, there are six seated figures.
NARRATOR: Here is what a typical parole hearing room looks like.
The screen changes to a graphic image of a room with a small table in the middle. There are twelve figures seated in a circle around the table. There are two figures seated behind the main circle.
Image display: Culturally Responsive Hearing Diagram
Text displays: “Culturally Responsive Hearing – Diagram”
NARRATOR: Now, a Culturally Responsive Hearing is usually done in a circle format.
Those participating in it normally sit in the inner circle.
A yellow circle highlights the inner circle participants and greys the outer circle participants.
NARRATOR: Observers sit in the outer circle.
A yellow circle highlights the outer circle participants and greys the inner circle participants.
NARRATOR: Parole Board members, in consultation with the Elder or Cultural Advisor, will decide who sits where. Victims, their assistants and the incarcerated individual's support person can request to sit inside the circle.
The screen transitions to show a graphic image with blue wave at the top and yellow wave at the bottom with a white background.
Text displays: “What happens at the hearing?”
The screen transitions to show the woman sitting at the desk from a bit further back.
NARRATOR: What happens at the hearing?
- Board members will introduce themselves, make sure you understand your rights, and explain the hearing process. They may also ask you how you want them to address you (for example, by your first name, or a preferred pronoun).
- The Hearing Officer will make sure you got the procedural safeguards information and ask you if you have any questions about them. These mandatory safeguards go over your rights in the hearing process.
- Your Parole Officer will then talk briefly about your case and give recommendations for your release.
- Board members will ask questions, talk about your case, make their decision, and give the reasons for their decision.
- They may highlight areas that they feel you need to make progress on. In certain cases, they may make their decision at a later date instead of at the hearing.
- If you are granted parole, Board members will explain any special conditions you must follow and make sure you understand them.
Text displays: “What happens at the hearing:
-Board members introduce themselves and explain the hearing process
-Hearing officer goes over procedural safeguards
-Parole Officer talks about your case and gives recommendations
-Board members ask questions, talk about your case, make their decision and give reasons
-May highlight areas where you need more progress
-If granted parole, Board members explain any special conditions you must follow”
The screen transitions to a close-up of the woman sitting in an office behind a desk.
NARRATOR: Here are some tips to help you at the hearing:
The screen transitions to show the woman sitting at the desk from a bit further back.
NARRATOR:
- Before the hearing, write down the important things you want to share with the Parole Board members. Think about your strengths (for example, your skills, attitude, motivation) and how these strengths can help you when you return to the community.
- Take at least two deep breaths before you start talking at the hearing.
- During the hearing, take your time answering questions.
- Don’t be afraid to let the Board members know if you don’t understand something.
- Ask to take a break if you feel overwhelmed or need time to sort your thoughts.
- Let the Board members know what conditions you feel will help you in the community if you are granted parole.
Text displays: “Helpful tips:
-Write down important things you want to share
-Take two deep breaths before you start
-Take your time answering questions
-Let Board members know if you don’t understand something
-Ask to take a break, if needed
-Share what conditions will help you in the community”
The screen changes to the woman on the left-side of the screen in an office area.
NARRATOR: Remember to always answer honestly. There are no right or wrong answers, or trick questions.
Text displays: “Remember to:
-Always answer honestly
-No right or wrong answers
-No trick questions”
The screen transitions to show a graphic image with blue wave at the top and yellow wave at the bottom with a white background.
Text displays: “Understanding your rights”
NARRATOR: Understanding your rights.
The screen changes to the woman on the left-side of the screen in an office area.
NARRATOR: You have the right to:
- receive all information Board members will use to make their decision;
- tell Board members what you want them to know about you and consider when making their decision;
- have the hearing in English or French;
- have an interpreter, if English or French is not your first language;
- have an assistant at the hearing — either from the community or from the institution, who can support you and give you advice before you answer questions or make a statement on your behalf. An assistant can be a family member, a friend, lawyer, community support, or another person you would like to have there to support you.
- be told if any observers will be present; and,
- invite community supports to observe your hearing (Note that all observers have to fill out an application form and be approved).
Text displays: “You have the right to:
-Receive all information that will be used to make the decision
-Tell Board members what you want them to know and consider
-Have the hearing in English or French
-Have an interpreter
-Have an assistant at the hearing
-Be told if any observers will be present
-Invite community supports to observe your hearing”
The screen transitions to show a graphic image with blue wave at the top and yellow wave at the bottom with a white background.
Text displays: “Once the Parole Board has made its decision…”
NARRATOR: Once the Parole Board has made its decision…
The screen changes to the woman on the left-side of the screen in an office area.
NARRATOR:
- You will get a copy of the written decision and reasons.
- If there was a hearing, you can ask your Parole Officer for an application to get a copy of the audio recording. Once you fill out the form, your Parole Officer will send it to the Parole Board.
- You can also appeal a decision, based on specific reasons outlined in the law. Talk to your Parole Officer for more information and important deadlines.
Text displays: “Once the Parole Board has made its decision:
-Copy of the written decision and reasons
-Ask for an application to get a copy of the audio recording
-Appeal a decision, based on specific reasons in the law”
The screen transitions to show a graphic image with blue wave at the top and yellow wave at the bottom with a white background.
Text displays: “A final important reminder…”
NARRATOR: A final important reminder.
The screen changes to the woman on the left-side of the screen in an office area.
NARRATOR: A hearing can be stressful. Knowing what to expect and spending a bit of time preparing can help you feel more comfortable with the process.
The screen transitions to a close-up of the woman standing in the middle of the screen in an office area.
I hope this information has been helpful to you. For more information or if you have any questions, talk to your Parole Officer.
Screen transitions to a white screen with the Parole Board of Canada signature in English and French with a Canadian flag.
The Canada wordmark appears with a waving Canadian flag.
About this publication
Publication author: Parole Board of Canada
PS94-30/2025E-MP4
978-0-660-76006-3
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