Frequently Asked Questions - Decision Registry

Since November 1, 1992, the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA) requires the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) to maintain a registry of its decisions along with the reasons for those decisions. Anyone may request, in writing, a copy of these decisions.

The purpose of the registry of decisions is to contribute to public understanding of conditional release decision making and to promote openness and accountability.

Anyone who demonstrates an interest in a specific case may write to the PBC to ask for a copy of the decision made in that case.

The Request for Registry of Decisions Form must be filled in and sent to the PBC regional office serving the area where the offender is imprisoned or under supervision (any regional office may be contacted to find out where to direct the request).

The request must describe the reason for the requestor's interest, for example: a member of the offender's family; a community volunteer; the offender's assistant; the victim; the investigating police officer; a media representative; etc.

Anyone may apply to obtain decisions from the registry of decisions for research purposes. All names and identifying information will be removed from these decisions.

Complete the Request for Registry of Decisions for Research Purposes form (PDF 63Kb) and send by email, mail or fax to the PBC by:

E-Mail: PerformanceMeasurement.GEN-PBC-CLCC@csc-scc.gc.ca

Mail:
Performance Measurement Section
Parole Board of Canada
410 Laurier Avenue West,
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0R1

Fax: 613-941-4981

Such requests should provide a detailed explanation of the proposed research. In some cases, the PBC may contact researchers to obtain additional information about their request.

The CCRA allows the PBC to withhold information that could reasonably be expected to:

• jeopardize the safety of any person
• reveal a source of information obtained in confidence; or
• affect adversely the reintegration of an offender to society as a law-abiding citizen, if released publicly

For more information, contact the PBC regional office nearest you.