The reforms apply to inmates being held in institutions under provincial jurisdiction and are necessary to respond to requests made by the provinces and territories, said Mr. Gray. Similar changes were made in the federal correctional system with the proclamation of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act in November, 1992. Mr. Gray added that some of the proposed amendments will add safeguards to the system to improve public safety. For example, the new legislation would establish clear criteria to be used by provincial authorities for cancelling, terminating or revoking a temporary absence release and returning an offender to custody.
Provincial prisons hold offenders sentenced to less than two years.
It is important that we work together to ensure that all correctional policies and practices are effective and operating in the best interest of public safety.