Policy Bulletin

Policy Bulletin 415

Policy Bulletin

  • Number: 415
  • In Effect: 2013-10-01

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Why was the policy changed?

This policy was modified to reflect the changes in the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA), to facilitate the implementation of the Economic Action Plan, and as a result of the Commissioner’s Directives Standardization Project.

What has changed?

Substantive modifications have been made to the document. These include:

  • Re-ordering the priority in which deductions are made from the offender's income;
  • Replacing of the term "room and board" with "food and accommodation" in the English version of the policy for greater consistency with the terminology used in the CCRA and CCRR;
  • Inmates will not be charged for food and accommodation during the intake assessment process;
  • Inmates earning level D to level A pay will now contribute 22% of their CSC payment toward the cost of food and accommodation;
  • Inmates with sources of income other than, or in addition to, a CSC payment will contribute 30% of their income from other sources toward the cost of food and accommodation;
  • The daily and weekly maximum deductions for food and accommodation in institutions have increased to a maximum of $18 per day, and $90 per week;
  • Offenders in Community Correctional Centres (CCC) with income exceeding the offender maintenance allowance will contribute 30% of the portion of the income which exceeds the offender maintenance allowance toward the cost of food and accommodation;
  • The daily and weekly maximum deductions for food and accommodation in CCCs have changed to a maximum of $11.40 per day, and $57 per week, or for CCCs where food is not provided, a maximum of $4.20 per day, and $21 per week;
  • The Application for Reduction or Waiver of Room and Board Deduction (CSC/SCC 1192) form has been amended to provide a place for the offender to provide a detailed rationale for the request. The revised form also includes a section for the case management team to provide comments on the offender's application before the application is submitted to the Institutional Head/District Director for decision.
  • A process for placing a hold on funds mailed to an inmate in order to facilitate the verification of the legitimacy of the funds' origin has been integrated into the policy;
  • Inmates will be responsible for any fees associated with processing money from outside sources (e.g., money orders, cheques, foreign currency);
  • The eligible withdrawals and disbursements from the current account have been broadened to include any purchase that supports the Correctional Plan or for constructive and legitimate inmate activities;
  • The list of eligible disbursements from the savings account has been expanded to also include support to the inmate's family and other financial responsibilities in the community, the inmate telephone system and replacement of the calling card, essential and non-essential medical expenses, costs related to release (e.g. identification cards), Aboriginal spiritual services/ceremonies/traditional healing practices, and legitimate expenses associated with a work release or temporary absence;
  • The minimum balance in the savings account has been raised from $80 to $200;
  • The maximum amount of cash that can be provided to an inmate from the petty cash funds upon release has been increased to $200; and
  • Contributions to the Inmate Welfare Fund will now be deducted from all sources of income, and there is no longer a maximum contribution specified in the policy. The amount of this contribution will be established based on the number of inmates in the institution and the costs associated with approved activities.

How was it developed?

This policy was revised collaboratively by the Correctional Operations and Programs and Corporate Services Sectors and the Strategic Policy Division.

Accountabilities?

The Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations and Programs, and the Assistant Commisioner, Corporate Services. Further roles and responsibilities are detailed in the policy document.

Who will be affected by the policy?

Staff involved in the administration of offender money.

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