Frequently Asked Questions

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CSC does not make decisions on parole. The Parole Board of Canada is the organization of the criminal justice system that makes independent, conditional-release and pardon decisions, and clemency recommendations.

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CSC is headed by the Correctional Service Commissioner Don Head, who is supported by an executive committee of national and regional members. The Commissioner in turn reports to the Minister of Public Safety Canada.

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Provincial corrections is concerned with offenders who have been sentenced for two years less a day, or less, only. Federal corrections is concerned with offenders who have been sentenced for two years or more.

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Once the sentence is imposed, a thorough intake assessment determines the offender’s risk level and needs, and ensures that the offender’s initial placement is at the appropriate security level. This assessment is used to identify the factors that drove the offenders to commit the offence, the risk he or she poses and his or her needs in terms of correctional services. Based on the information collected in the intake assessment, CSC develops a correctional plan that sets out rehabilitation activities and programs for the offender.

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The Correctional Plan is a document that outlines a risk management strategy for each offender before they leave institutions on conditional release.

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On CSC’s website, you can find information on general information on Standards for Correctional Programs as well as Correctional Program Descriptions.

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CSC operates under the rule of law and in particular the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, which provides its legislative framework. CSC also has a variety of directives and procedures to exercise reasonable, safe, secure and humane control.

All policies and legislations are available on CSC’s web site.

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You can consult the list of CSC’s regions and facilities

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Maximum security institutions are the most restrictive since they house individuals who pose the greatest risk of escape and hence the greatest danger to society. The buildings are surrounded by a barbed-wire fence, correctional officers are armed and posted in towers or other strategic surveillance locations. Also, the schedules that govern an inmate’s day-to-day routine are stricter.

In medium security insitutions, while the site is fenced as well, the rules are less restrictive. Officers are not armed, although weapons are available – under lock and key – in specific locations. Daily life is much like that in maximum security penitentiaries.p>

Finally, the minimum security institutions play a very important role in the process for returning offenders to the community. These penitentiaries are often like small communities where inmates live in living units (houses) in groups of seven or eight. There is no barbed wired fence and there are no armed officers, since inmates in these institutions have been deemed very low risk. The routine of minimum security inmates is less restrictive. They can organize their schedule according to the activities they are required to participate in, and often are responsible for their own meals. This creates a sense of responsibility and prepares them for life in the community.

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Please contact CSC's national media line (613-992-7711), send us an email (media@csc-scc.gc.ca) or contact one of our regional communications offices.

All media requests to interview federal inmates are evaluated in accordance with Canadian legislation and CSC policies such as Commissioner’s Directive 022.

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