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Bill C-46

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1st Session, 38th Parliament,
53-54 Elizabeth II, 2004-2005
house of commons of canada
BILL C-46
An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act and the Criminal Code
Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:
1992, c. 20
CORRECTIONS AND CONDITIONAL RELEASE ACT
2000, c. 12, s. 88
1. (1) The definition “victim” in subsection 2(1) of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act is replaced by the following:
“victim”
« victime »
“victim” means a person to whom harm was done or who suffered physical or emotional damage as a result of the commission of an offence and, if the person is dead, ill or otherwise incapacitated,
(a) their spouse or an individual who is — or was at the time of their death — cohabiting with them in a conjugal relationship, having so cohabited for a period of at least one year,
(b) a relative or dependant of the person,
(c) anyone who has in law or fact custody or is responsible for the care or support of the person, or
(d) anyone who has in law or fact custody, or is responsible for the care or support, of a dependant of the person.
(2) Paragraph (b) of the definition “inmate” in subsection 2(1) of the Act is replaced by the following:
(b) a person who, having been sentenced, committed or transferred to a penitentiary,
(i) is temporarily outside the penitentiary by reason of a temporary absence authorized under this Act, or
(ii) is temporarily outside the penitentiary for a reason other than a temporary absence, parole or statutory release, but is under the direction or supervision of a staff member or a person authorized by the Service;
(3) Subsection 2(1) of the Act is amended by adding the following in alphabetical order:
“provincial parole board”
« commission provinciale »
“provincial parole board” has the same meaning as in Part II;
“unescorted temporary absence”
« permission de sortir sans escorte »
“unescorted temporary absence” has the same meaning as in Part II;
“working day”
« jour ouvrable »
“working day” means a day on which offices of the federal public administration are generally open in the province in question.
1995, c. 42, s. 2(2)(F)
2. Paragraph 4(i) of the Act is replaced by the following:
(i) that offenders are expected to obey penitentiary rules and conditions governing temporary absences, parole, statutory release and long-term supervision and to actively participate in programs designed to promote their rehabilitation and reintegration; and
1995, c. 22, s. 13 (Sch. II, item 1), c. 42, s. 6
3. Subsection 16(2) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Effect of confinement
(2) Subject to subsection (3), a person who is confined in a penitentiary pursuant to an agreement entered into under paragraph (1)(b) is, despite section 743.3 of the Criminal Code, subject to all the statutes, regulations and rules applicable in the penitentiary in which the person is confined.
1995, c. 42, s. 7(F); 2000, c. 24, s. 34
4. Subsection 17(1) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Authority for escorted temporary absences
17. (1) An institutional head may authorize an inmate to be absent, escorted by a staff member or other person authorized by the institutional head, if, in the opinion of the institutional head,
(a) the inmate will not, by reoffending, present an undue risk to society during the absence;
(b) it is desirable for the inmate to be absent in the prescribed circumstances
(i) for medical, administrative or compassionate reasons,
(ii) for community service purposes,
(iii) for participation in a structured program of work in the community, an educational, occupational or life skills training program or a group activity that fosters the offender’s socialization,
(iv) for personal development for rehabilitative purposes, or
(v) for the purpose of maintaining and strengthening family contact, including carrying out parental responsibilities;
(c) the inmate’s behaviour while under sentence does not preclude authorizing the absence; and
(d) a structured plan for the absence has been prepared.
The absence may be authorized for an unlimited period for medical reasons or, for reasons other than medical, for a period not exceeding 5 days or, with the Commissioner’s approval, not exceeding 15 days.
1995, c. 42, s. 8; 2000, c. 24, s. 35
5. Section 18 of the Act and the heading before it are repealed.
6. (1) Subparagraph 26(1)(b)(iii) of the Act is replaced by the following:
(ii.1) if the offender is transferred, a summary of the reasons for the transfer and the name and location of the penitentiary in which the sentence is being served,
(ii.2) if the offender is to be transferred to a minimum security institution — as designated by a Commissioner’s Directive — and it is possible to notify the victim before the transfer, a summary of the reasons for the transfer and the name and location of the institution in which the sentence is to be served,
(ii.3) the programs — that were designed to address the needs of the offender and contribute to their successful integration into the community — in which the offender is participating or has participated,
(iii) the date, if any, that the offender is to be released on temporary absence, parole or statutory release,
(2) Subparagraphs 26(1)(b)(v) and (vi) of the Act are replaced by the following:
(v) any of the conditions attached to the offender’s temporary absence, parole or statutory release,
(vi) the destination of the offender on any temporary absence, parole or statutory release, and whether the offender will be in the vicinity of the victim while travelling to that destination, and
1995, c. 42, s. 15
7. Paragraphs 55(a) and (b) of the Act are replaced by the following:
(a) if the staff member or other authorized person has reasonable grounds to suspect that the offender has breached any condition of a temporary absence, parole or statutory release that requires abstention from alcohol or drugs, at once, in order to monitor the offender’s compliance with that condition; and
(b) at regular intervals, in order to monitor the offender’s compliance with any condition of a temporary absence, parole or statutory release that requires abstention from alcohol or drugs.
8. Section 61 of the Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (3):
Exceptional power to search
(4) An institutional head may, in writing, authorize a staff member to search the vehicles at a penitentiary if the institutional head has reasonable grounds to believe that
(a) there is a clear and substantial danger to the security of the penitentiary or the life or safety of persons because evidence exists that there is contraband at the penitentiary or that a criminal offence is being planned or has been committed at the penitentiary; and
(b) it is necessary to search the vehicles in order to locate and seize the contraband or other evidence and to avert the danger.
9. Subsection 71(1) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Contacts and visits
71. (1) In order to promote relationships between inmates and the community, an inmate is entitled to have reasonable contact, including visits and correspondence, with family, friends and other persons from outside the penitentiary, subject to such reasonable limits as are prescribed for protecting the security of the penitentiary or the safety of persons or for preventing the planning or commission of a criminal offence.
10. Section 84 of the Act is replaced by the following:
Release to an aboriginal community
84. If an inmate expresses an interest in being released into an aboriginal community, the Service shall, with the inmate’s consent, give the aboriginal community
(a) adequate notice of the inmate’s parole review or their statutory release date, as the case may be; and
(b) an opportunity to propose a plan for the inmate’s release and integration into the aboriginal community.
11. Subsection 88(3) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Special case
(3) For the purpose of paragraph (1)(a), an inmate’s consent to treatment shall not be considered involuntary merely because the treatment is a requirement for a temporary absence or parole.
12. (1) Subsection 93(2) of the French version of the Act is replaced by the following:
Libération anticipée
(2) Le directeur peut libérer un détenu dans les cinq jours qui précèdent celui normalement prévu pour la libération s’il est convaincu que cette mesure facilitera sa réinsertion sociale.
1995, c. 42, s. 23(2)
(2) Subsection 93(3.1) of the Act is repealed.
1995, c. 42, s. 24(1)
13. Subsection 94(1) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Temporary stay in penitentiary
94. (1) At the request of a person who has been or is entitled to be released from a penitentiary on parole or statutory release, the institutional head may allow them to stay temporarily in the penitentiary in order to assist their rehabilitation, but the temporary stay may not extend beyond the expiration of their sentence.
14. (1) Subparagraph 96(c)(i) of the French version of the Act is replaced by the following:
(i) les circonstances où une indemnité peut être versée,
(2) Paragraph 96(p) of the Act is replaced by the following:
(p) authorizing an institutional head, or a staff member designated by them, to, in the prescribed circumstances, restrict or prohibit the entry into and removal from a penitentiary and the use by inmates of publications, video and audio materials, films and computer programs;
(3) Paragraph 96(s) of the Act is replaced by the following:
(s) respecting penitentiary industry, including regulations authorizing the Minister to establish advisory boards and appoint members to them and regulations providing for the remuneration of those members at rates determined by the Treasury Board and for the reimbursement of any travel and living expenses that are consistent with directives of the Treasury Board and are incurred by those members in performing their duties while away from their ordinary place of residence;
(4) Paragraph 96(y) of the Act is replaced by the following:
(y) respecting the procedure to be followed on the death of an inmate, including the circumstances in which the Service may pay transportation, funeral, cremation or burial expenses for a deceased inmate;
1995, c. 42, subpar. 72(a)(ii)(F)
(5) Paragraphs 96(z.7) and (z.8) of the Act are replaced by the following:
(z.7) authorizing an institutional head, or a staff member designated by them, to, in the prescribed circumstances, monitor, intercept or prevent communications between an inmate and another person;
(z.8) respecting escorted temporary absences, including the circumstances in which the institutional head may authorize an absence under paragraph 17(1)(b);
1995, c. 42, s. 26(2)
15. The definition “working day” in subsection 99(1) of the Act is replaced by the following:
“working day”
« jour ouvrable »
“working day” has the same meaning as in Part I.
1993, c. 34, s. 57(F)
16. Sections 103 and 104 of the Act are replaced by the following:
Board continued
103. The National Parole Board is continued and consists of not more than 60 full-time members and a number of part-time members appointed by the Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, to hold office during good behaviour for periods not exceeding 10 years and 3 years, respectively.
Chairperson and Vice-Chair­person
104. The Governor in Council shall designate one of the full-time members of the Board as Chairperson and, on the recommendation of the Minister, one as Vice-Chairperson.
17. Subsection 105(3) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Divisions
(3) Each member of the Board, other than the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, shall be assigned to the division of the Board specified in their instrument of appointment.
1995, c. 42, s. 28(E) and subpar. 71(a)(vii)(F)
18. Paragraph 107(1)(e) of the Act is replaced by the following:
(e) to authorize or cancel a decision to authorize the unescorted temporary absence of an offender who is serving, in a penitentiary, a life sentence or a sentence for an indeterminate period.
19. Paragraph 115(1)(c) of the Act is replaced by the following:
(c) in any other case, the longer of
(i) six months, and
(ii) one half of the period required to be served by the offender to reach their full parole eligibility date.
1995, c. 42, s. 32(F)
20. (1) Paragraph 116(1)(b) of the Act is replaced by the following:
(b) it is desirable for the offender to be absent
(i) for medical, administrative or compassionate reasons,
(ii) for community service purposes,
(iii) for participation in a structured program of work in the community or an educational, occupational or life skills training program,
(iv) for personal development for rehabilitative purposes, or
(v) for the purpose of maintaining and strengthening family contact, including carrying out parental responsibilities;
(2) Paragraph 116(1)(d) of the Act is replaced by the following:
(d) a structured plan for the absence with supervision has been prepared.
1995, c. 42, subpar. 71(a)(xi)(F)
(3) Subsections 116(6) and (7) of the Act are replaced by the following:
Exception
(6) An unescorted temporary absence to participate in a structured program of work in the community or specific personal development program may be authorized for a period not exceeding 60 days and may — with the approval of the Board or Commissioner, or a person designated by name or position by the Commissioner, as the case may be — be renewed for one or more periods not exceeding 60 days each. The number of days authorized under this subsection may not exceed 120 per calendar year.
Absences for other reasons
(7) Unescorted temporary absences for reasons other than those referred to in subsection (3), (4) or (6) may be authorized for a maximum total of 48 hours per month for an offender classified by the Service as a medium security offender, and for a maximum total of 72 hours per month for an offender classified as a minimum security offender.
21. (1) Subsection 117(1) of the Act is repealed.
1995, c. 42, subpar. 71(a)(xii)(F)
(2) Subsection 117(3) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Suspension by institutional head
(3) The institutional head of a penitentiary from which an unescorted temporary absence, that was authorized by the Board, has been effected may suspend the absence if, in the opinion of the institutional head, the offender’s retention in custody or recommitment to custody is justified in order to protect society, on the basis of information that could not reasonably have been provided to the Board when the absence was authorized.
(3) Subsection 117(4) of the English version of the Act is replaced by the following:
Referral of suspension to Board
(4) An institutional head who suspends an unescorted temporary absence under subsection (3) shall forthwith refer the offender’s case to the Board, and the Board shall decide whether the absence should be cancelled.
1995, c. 42, subpar. 71(a)(xiii)(F)
22. Section 118 of the Act is replaced by the following:
Warrant for apprehension and recommitment
118. If an offender is not in custody in a penitentiary or in a hospital referred to in subsection 117(2), the person who cancels an unescorted temporary absence under subsection 116(10), or pursuant to a delegation of power under subsection 117(2), or who suspends an unescorted temporary absence under subsection 117(3) shall cause a warrant to be issued authorizing the apprehension and recommitment to custody of the offender.
1997, c. 17, s. 21(1)
23. Section 119.1 of the Act is replaced by the following:
Time when eligible for day parole — accelerated review
119.1 Before an offender who is eligible for accelerated day parole review under section 121.1 may be released on day parole, they shall serve the longest of
(a) six months,
(b) one half of the period required to be served by the offender to reach their full parole eligibility date, and
(c) the period that ends one year before their full parole eligibility date.
Definition of “sentence”
119.2 For the purpose of sections 120 to 120.3 and unless the context requires otherwise, a sentence is one that is not constituted in accordance with subsection 139(1).
1995, c. 42, s. 34; 1997, c. 17, s. 22(F); 1998, c. 35, s. 113(1); 2000, c. 24, ss. 39 and 40
24. Sections 120.1 to 120.3 of the Act are replaced by the following:
Multiple sentences on same day
120.1 (1) A person who is not serving a sentence and who receives more than one sentence on the same day is not eligible for full parole until the day on which they have served a period equal to the total of
(a) the period of ineligibility in respect of any portion, of the sentence that was constituted under subsection 139(1), that is subject to an order under section 743.6 of the Criminal Code or section 140.4 of the National Defence Act, and
(b) the period of ineligibility in respect of any other portion of that sentence.
One or more additional consecutive sentences
(2) If an offender who is serving a sentence, or is serving a sentence that was constituted under subsection 139(1), receives an additional sentence that is to be served consecutively to the sentence they are serving when the additional sentence is imposed — or receives, on the same day, two or more additional sentences to be served consecutively and the additional sentences are to be served consecutively to the sentence they are serving when the additional sentences are imposed — the offender is not eligible for full parole until the day on which they have served, beginning on the day on which the additional sentence is or sentences are imposed, the total of the following periods:
(a) any remaining period of ineligibility in respect of the sentence they are serving when the additional sentence is or sentences are imposed, and
(b) the period of ineligibility in respect of the additional sentence or, in the case of two or more additional sentences, a period equal to the total of the periods of ineligibility in respect of all of the additional sentences.
Additional sentence to be served consecutively to portion of sentence
(3) Despite subsection (2), if an offender who is serving a sentence that was constituted under subsection 139(1) receives an additional sentence that is to be served consecutively to a portion of the sentence they are serving when the additional sentence is imposed — or receives, on the same day, two or more additional sentences to be served consecutively to a portion of the sentence they are serving when the additional sentences are imposed — they are not eligible for full parole until the day that is the latest of
(a) the day on which they have served the period of ineligibility in respect of the sentence they are serving when the additional sentence is or sentences are imposed,
(b) the day on which they have served, beginning on the day on which the additional sentence is imposed — or, if two or more additional sentences are imposed, beginning on the day on which the additional sentences are imposed — the period of ineligibility in respect of the additional sentence or a period equal to the total of the periods of ineligibility of all of the additional sentences, as the case may be, and
(c) the day on which they have served the period of ineligibility in respect of the sentence that includes, as provided by subsection 139(1), the additional sentence.
Additional concurrent sentence
120.2 (1) Subject to subsection (2), if an offender who is serving a sentence, or is serving a sentence that was constituted under subsection 139(1), receives an additional sentence that is to be served concurrently with the sentence they are serving when the additional sentence is imposed, they are not eligible for full parole until the day that is the later of
(a) the day on which they have served the period of ineligibility in respect of the sentence they are serving when the additional sentence is imposed, and
(b) the day on which they have served
(i) the period of ineligibility in respect of any portion, of the sentence that includes the additional sentence as provided by subsection 139(1), that is subject to an order under section 743.6 of the Criminal Code or section 140.4 of the National Defence Act, and
(ii) the period of ineligibility in respect of any other portion of that sentence.
One or more sentences in addition to life sentence
(2) If an offender who is serving a life sentence or a sentence for an indeterminate period receives a sentence for a determinate period — or receives, on the same day, two or more sentences for a determinate period — they are not eligible for full parole until the day on which they have served, beginning on the day on which the additional sentence is or sentences are imposed, the total of the following periods:
(a) any remaining period of ineligibility to which they are subject, and
(b) the period of ineligibility in respect of the additional sentence or, in the case of two or more additional sentences, the period of ineligibility — determined in accordance with subsection (1) or section 120.1, as the case may be — in respect of the additional sentences.
Reduction of period of ineligibility for parole
(3) If there has been a reduction — under section 745.6 of the Criminal Code, subsection 140.3(2) of the National Defence Act or subsection 15(2) of the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act — in the number of years of imprisonment without eligibility for parole of an offender referred to in subsection (2), the offender is not eligible for full parole until the day on which they have served, beginning on the day on which the additional sentence is or sentences are imposed, the total of the following periods:
(a) any remaining period of ineligibility to which they would have been subject after taking into account the reduction, and
(b) the period of ineligibility in respect of the additional sentence or, in the case of two or more additional sentences, the period of ineligibility — determined in accordance with subsection (1) or section 120.1, as the case may be — in respect of the additional sentences.
Maximum period
120.3 Subject to section 745 of the Criminal Code, subsection 140.3(1) of the National Defence Act and subsection 15(1) of the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act, the day on which an offender is eligible for full parole shall not be later than
(a) in the case of a person who is not serving a sentence and receives more than one sentence on the same day, the day on which they have served 15 years from the day on which the sentences are imposed;
(b) in the case of an offender who is serving a sentence — or is serving a sentence that was constituted under subsection 139(1) — and who receives an additional sentence that changes the day on which they are eligible for parole, the day on which they have served 15 years from the day on which the additional sentence is imposed; and
(c) in the case of an offender who is serving a sentence — or is serving a sentence that was constituted under subsection 139(1) — and who receives, on the same day, two or more additional sentences that change the day on which they are eligible for parole, the day on which they have served 15 years from the day on which the additional sentences are imposed.
1998, c. 35, s. 115
25. (1) The portion of subsection 121(1) of the Act before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:
Exceptional cases
121. (1) Subject to section 102 and despite sections 119 to 120.3 of this Act, sections 746.1 and 761 of the Criminal Code, subsection 140.3(2) of the National Defence Act and subsection 15(2) of the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act and any order made under section 743.6 of the Criminal Code or section 140.4 of the National Defence Act, parole may be granted at any time to an offender
(2) The portion of subsection 121(2) of the Act before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:
Exceptions
(2) Paragraphs (1)(b) to (d) do not apply to an offender who is
26. The Act is amended by adding the following before section 122:
Accelerated review of certain day parole cases
121.1 (1) An offender who is sentenced, committed or transferred to a penitentiary for the first time, other than under an agreement referred to in paragraph 16(1)(b), is eligible for accelerated day parole review, unless the offender is serving
(a) a sentence for one of the following offences:
(i) murder,
(ii) an offence set out in Schedule I or a conspiracy to commit such an offence,
(iii) an offence set out in Schedule II in respect of which an order has been made under section 743.6 of the Criminal Code,
(iv) an offence under subsection 82(2) or section 467.11, 467.12 or 467.13 of the Criminal Code or one considered by a court to be a criminal organization offence within the meaning of section 2 of that Act,
(v) an offence under section 83.02 (providing or collecting property for certain activities), 83.03 (providing, making available, etc., property or services for terrorist purposes), 83.04 (using or possessing property for terrorist purposes), 83.18 (participation in activity of terrorist group), 83.19 (facilitating terrorist activity), 83.2 (commission of offence for terrorist group), 83.21 (instructing to carry out activity for terrorist group), 83.22 (instructing to carry out terrorist activity) or 83.23 (harbouring or concealing) of the Criminal Code or a conspiracy to commit such an offence,
(vi) an offence under section 240 of the Criminal Code,
(vii) an offence under section 463 of the Criminal Code that was prosecuted by indictment in respect of an offence set out in Schedule I, other than the offence set out in paragraph (1)(q) of that Schedule, or
(viii) an offence under section 130 of the National Defence Act, if the offence is murder, an offence set out in Schedule I or an offence set out in Schedule II in respect of which an order has been made under section 140.4 of the National Defence Act; or
(b) a life sentence imposed otherwise than as a minimum punishment.
Application
(2) For greater certainty, this section and subsection 122(1.1)
(a) apply to an offender who is eligible for accelerated day parole review and who, after being sentenced, committed or transferred to a penitentiary for the first time, is sentenced in respect of an offence — other than one referred to in subsection (1) — that was committed before they were sentenced, committed or transferred to a penitentiary for the first time; and
(b) do not apply to an offender referred to in subsection (1) who, after being sentenced, committed or transferred to a penitentiary for the first time, commits an offence under an Act of Parliament for which they receive an additional sentence.
Review by Service
(3) The Service shall review the case and deliver to the Board any information that, in the Service’s opinion, is relevant to its review under subsection 122(1.1).
Delegation to provincial authorities
(4) The Service may delegate to the correctional authorities of a province its powers under this section in respect of offenders who are serving their sentences in provincial correctional facilities in that province.
1995, c. 42, par. 69(f)(E)
27. (1) Subsections 122(1) to (3) of the Act are replaced by the following:
Day parole review
122. (1) Subject to subsection 119(2), the Board shall, within the period prescribed by the regulations and for the purpose of deciding whether to grant day parole, review the case of an offender who applies for a review, other than an offender referred to in subsection (1.1) or (2).
Day parole review — accelerated
(1.1) The Board shall, within the period prescribed by the regulations and for the purpose of deciding whether to grant day parole, review the case of every offender who is eligible for accelerated day parole review under section 121.1.
Special cases
(2) The Board may, within the period prescribed by the regulations and for the purpose of deciding whether to grant day parole, review the case of an offender who applies for a review and is serving a sentence of two years or more in a provincial correctional facility in a province where no program of day parole has been established for that category of offender.
Decision or adjournment
(3) During the review, the Board shall decide, based on the criteria set out in section 102, whether to grant day parole. It may adjourn the review for a reason authorized by the regulations and for a reasonable period not exceeding the maximum period prescribed by the regulations.
1995, c. 42, s. 36(F)
(2) Subsection 122(5) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Maximum duration
(5) Day parole may be granted to an offender referred to in subsection (1) or (2) for up to six months and, after reviews of the case by the Board, for additional periods of up to six months each.
Maximum duration — accelerated review
(5.1) Day parole may be granted to an offender referred to in subsection (1.1) for up to six months or, if the period between day parole eligibility and full parole eligibility is longer than six months, until the day on which the offender is eligible for full parole. After reviews of the case by the Board, day parole may be granted for additional periods of up to six months each.
1995, c. 42, par. 69(g)(E)
28. (1) Subsections 123(1) and (2) of the Act are replaced by the following:
Full parole review
123. (1) The Board shall, within the period prescribed by the regulations and for the purpose of deciding whether to grant full parole, review the case of every offender who is serving a sentence of two years or more and who is not within the jurisdiction of a provincial parole board.
Waiver of review
(2) The Board is not required under subsection (1), (5) or (5.1) to review the case of an offender who has advised the Board in writing that they do not wish to be considered for full parole and who has not in writing revoked that advice.
(2) Subsection 123(4) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Decision or adjournment
(4) During the review, the Board shall decide, based on the criteria set out in section 102, whether to grant full parole. It may decide to grant day parole or to adjourn the review for a reason authorized by the regulations and for a reasonable period not exceeding the maximum period prescribed by the regulations.
1995, c. 42, s. 37(2)
(3) The portion of subsection 123(5) of the French version of the Act before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:
Réexamen
(5) En cas de refus de libération conditionnelle dans le cadre de l’examen visé au paragraphe (1) ou à l’article 122 ou encore en l’absence de tout examen pour les raisons exposées au paragraphe (2), la Commission procède au réexamen dans les deux ans qui suivent la date de la tenue du premier examen en application du présent article ou de l’article 122, ou la date fixée pour cet examen, selon la plus éloignée de ces dates, et ainsi de suite, au cours de chaque période de deux ans, jusqu’au premier en date des événements suivants :
(4) Subsection 123(6) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Further review if Board terminates or cancels parole
(5.1) If the Board reviews a case and cancels or terminates parole, it shall conduct another review within two years after the cancellation or termination and, after that date, within two years after the day on which each preceding review takes place until
(a) the offender is released on full parole or statutory release;
(b) the offender’s sentence expires; or
(c) less than four months remain to be served before the offender’s statutory release date.
No further application
(6) If, following a review, the Board decides not to grant full parole or decides to cancel or terminate parole, no further application for full parole may be made until six months after the decision or until any earlier time that the regulations prescribe or the Board determines.
29. (1) Subsection 124(1) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Offenders unlawfully at large
124. (1) The Board is not required to review the case of an offender who is unlawfully at large within the period prescribed by the regulations for a review under section 122 or 123, but shall review the case as soon as possible after being informed of the offender’s return to custody.
(2) Subsection 124(3) of the English version of the Act is replaced by the following:
Cancellation of parole
(3) If an offender has been granted parole, the Board may, after a review of the case based on information that could not reasonably have been provided to it at the time parole was granted, cancel the parole if the offender has not been released or terminate the parole if they have been released.
1995, c. 42, ss. 39 and 40; 1997, c. 17, ss. 24 and 25; 1999, c. 5, ss. 50 and 53; 2001, c. 41, s. 90
30. The heading before section 125 and sections 125 to 126.1 of the Act are repealed.
1995, c. 42, s. 41
31. Subsection 127(5) of the Act is replaced by the following:
If parole or statutory release revoked
(5) Subject to subsections 130(4) and (6), the statutory release date of an offender whose parole or statutory release is revoked is
(a) the day on which they have served two thirds of the unexpired portion of the sentence after being recommitted to custody as a result of a suspension or revocation under section 135; or
(b) if an additional sentence is imposed after the offender is recommitted to custody as a result of a suspension or revocation under section 135, the day on which they have served two thirds of the portion of the sentence — including the additional sentence — that begins on the day on which they are recommitted and ends on the day on which the sentence expires.
If additional sentence
(5.1) If an offender receives an additional sentence for an offence under an Act of Parliament and their parole or statutory release is not revoked, their statutory release date is the day on which they have served, beginning on the earlier of the day on which they are recommitted to custody as a result of the suspension of their parole or statutory release and the day on which they are recommitted to custody as a result of the additional sentence,
(a) any time remaining before the statutory release date in respect of the sentence they are serving when the additional sentence is imposed; and
(b) two thirds of the period that equals the difference between the length of the sentence that includes the additional sentence and the length of the sentence that they are serving when the additional sentence is imposed.
32. The Act is amended by adding the following after section 127:
Review by Service before statutory release
127.1 Before the day on which an offender is entitled to be released on statutory release, the Service shall review the case and may
(a) refer it to the Board under subsection 129(1);
(b) recommend that the Commissioner refer it to the Chairperson of the Board under subsection 129(3); or
(c) recommend that the Board impose conditions on the statutory release under subsection 133(3) or (4.1).
2001, c. 27, s. 242
33. Subsections 128(3) and (4) of the Act are replaced by the following:
Sentence deemed to be completed
(3) Despite subsection (1), for the purposes of paragraph 50(b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and section 64 of the Extradition Act, the sentence of an offender who has been released on parole, statutory release or an unescorted temporary absence is deemed to be completed unless the parole or statutory release has been suspended, terminated or revoked, the unescorted temporary absence is suspended or cancelled or the offender has returned to Canada before the expiration of the sentence according to law.
Removal order
(4) Despite this Act, the Prisons and Reformatories Act or the Criminal Code, an offender against whom a removal order has been made under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act is not eligible for day parole or an unescorted temporary absence until they are eligible for full parole.
1995, c. 42, s. 44(2); 1998, c. 35, s. 117
34. (1) Subsections 129(1) and (2) of the Act are replaced by the following:
Referral of certain cases to Board
129. (1) More than six months before the day on which an offender is entitled to be released on statutory release, the Service shall refer the case to the Board — and shall provide to the Board any information that, in the Service’s opinion, is relevant to the case — if the Service is of the opinion that
(a) in the case of an offender who is serving a sentence that includes a sentence for an offence set out in Schedule I, including an offence set out in Schedule I that is punishable under section 130 of the National Defence Act,
(i) the commission of the offence caused the death of or serious harm to another person and there are reasonable grounds to believe that the offender is likely to commit an offence causing death or serious harm to another person before the expiration of the offender’s sentence according to law, or
(ii) the offence was a sexual offence involving a child and there are reasonable grounds to believe that the offender is likely to commit a sexual offence involving a child or an offence causing death or serious harm to another person before the expiration of the offender’s sentence according to law; or
(b) in the case of an offender who is serving a sentence that includes a sentence for an offence set out in Schedule II, including an offence set out in Schedule II that is punishable under section 130 of the National Defence Act, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the offender is likely to commit a serious drug offence before the expiration of the offender’s sentence according to law.
1995, c. 42, ss. 44(3) and (4)
(2) Subsection 129(3) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Referral of cases to Chairperson of Board
(3) If the Commissioner believes on reasonable grounds that an offender is likely, before the expiration of the sentence according to law, to commit an offence causing death or serious harm to another person, a sexual offence involving a child or a serious drug offence, the Commissioner shall refer the case to the Chairperson of the Board together with all the information in the possession of the Service that, in the Commissioner’s opinion, is relevant to the case, as soon as practicable after forming that belief. The referral must be made more than six months before the offender’s statutory release date unless
(a) the Commissioner formed that belief on the basis of the offender’s behaviour or information obtained during those six months; or
(b) as a result of a change in the statutory release date due to a recalculation, the statutory release date has passed or the offender is entitled to be released on statutory release during those six months.
(3) Subsection 129(4) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Request for information by Board
(4) At the request of the Board, the Service shall take all reasonable steps to provide the Board with any additional information that is relevant to a case referred to it under subsection (1) or (3).
(4) Paragraph (a) of the definition “sexual offence involving a child” in subsection 129(9) of the Act is amended by adding the following after subparagraph (iv):
(iv.1) section 163.1 (child pornography),
(5) Paragraph (a) of the definition “sexual offence involving a child” in subsection 129(9) of the Act is amended by adding the following after subparagraph (vii):
(vii.1) section 172.1 (luring a child),
1995, c. 42, s. 45(1)
35. (1) Subsection 130(1) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Review by Board of cases referred
130. (1) If the case of an offender is referred to the Board by the Service under subsection 129(1), or to the Chairperson of the Board by the Commissioner under subsection 129(3), the Board shall, subject to subsections 129(5) to (7), at the times and in the manner prescribed by the regulations, inform the offender of the referral and the review and review the case. The Board shall cause all inquiries to be conducted in connection with the review that it considers necessary.
1995, c. 42, s. 45(3)
(2) Subsection 130(5) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Temporary absence with escort
(5) An offender who is in custody pursuant to an order made under subsection (3) or amended under paragraph (3.3)(b) is not eligible to be released from imprisonment, except on a temporary absence with escort under Part I for medical, administrative or compassionate reasons.
36. The Act is amended by adding the following before section 133:
Recommendation re conditions of statutory release
132.1 If, after a review under section 127.1, the Service decides to recommend that the Board impose conditions on the statutory release under subsection 133(3) or (4.1), it shall provide to the Board the details of those conditions and any other information that, in the opinion of the Service, is relevant.
1995, c. 42, s. 48(1)
37. Subsection 133(4.1) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Residence requirement
(4.1) In order to facilitate the successful reintegration into society of an offender, the releasing authority may, as a condition of statutory release, require that the offender reside in a community-based residential facility or a psychiatric facility if the releasing authority is satisfied that, in the absence of such a condition, the offender will present an undue risk to society by committing, before the expiration of their sentence according to law, an offence set out in Schedule I or an offence under section 467.11, 467.12 or 467.13 of the Criminal Code.
1995, c. 42, s. 50(2)
38. (1) Subsection 135(2) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Automatic suspension of parole or statutory release
(1.1) If an offender who is on parole or statutory release receives an additional sentence, other than a conditional sentence under section 742.1 of the Criminal Code that is being served in the community or an intermittent sentence under section 732 of that Act, for an offence under an Act of Parliament, their parole or statutory release, as the case may be, is suspended on the day on which the additional sentence is imposed.
Apprehension and recommitment
(1.2) If an offender’s parole or statutory release is suspended under subsection (1.1), a member of the Board or a person designated, by name or position, by the Chairperson of the Board or the Commissioner may, by warrant, authorize the offender’s apprehension and recommitment to custody until
(a) the suspension is cancelled;
(b) the parole or statutory release is terminated or revoked; or
(c) the sentence expires according to law.
Transfer of offender
(2) A person designated under subsection (1) may, by warrant, order the transfer to a penitentiary of an offender who is recommitted to custody under subsection (1) or (1.2) or as a result of an additional sentence referred to in subsection (1.1) in a place other than a penitentiary.
1995, c. 42, s. 50(3)
(2) The portion of subsection 135(3) of the Act before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:
Cancellation of suspension or referral
(3) Subject to subsection (3.1), the person who signs a warrant under subsection (1) or any other person designated under that subsection shall, forthwith after the recommitment of the offender, review the offender’s case and
(3) Section 135 of the Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (3):
Referral to Board — additional sentence
(3.1) If an offender’s parole or statutory release is suspended under subsection (1.1), or if an offender whose parole or statutory release is suspended under subsection (1) receives an additional sentence referred to in subsection (1.1), the suspension may not be cancelled and the case shall be referred to the Board by a person designated by name or position by the Commissioner, together with an assessment of the case, within the applicable number of days set out in subsection (3).
1995, c. 42, ss. 50(4) and (5)
(4) Subsection 135(5) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Review by Board — two years or more
(5) The Board shall, on the referral to it of the case of an offender serving a sentence of two years or more, review the case and, within the period prescribed by the regulations, unless the Board adjourns the hearing — or a member of the Board or a person designated, by name or position, by the Chairperson postpones the review — at the offender’s request,
(a) if the Board is satisfied that the offender will, by reoffending before the expiration of their sentence according to law, present an undue risk to society,
(i) terminate the parole or statutory release if the undue risk is due to circumstances beyond the offender’s control, and
(ii) revoke it in any other case;
(b) if the Board is not satisfied as in paragraph (a), cancel the suspension; and
(c) if the offender is no longer eligible for parole or entitled to be released on statutory release, cancel the suspension or terminate or revoke the parole or statutory release.
(5) Section 135 of the Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (6.1):
If parole eligibility date in future
(6.2) If the Board cancels a suspension of parole under subsection (5) and the day on which the offender is eligible for parole, determined in accordance with any of sections 119 to 120.3, is later than the day on which the parole suspension is cancelled, the day or full parole is, subject to subsection (6.3), resumed on the day parole eligibility date or the full parole eligibility date, as the case may be.
Cancellation of parole — parole eligibility date in future
(6.3) If an offender’s parole is to resume under subsection (6.2), the Board may — before the parole resumes and after a review of the case based on information that could not reasonably have been provided to it at the time the parole suspension was cancelled — cancel the parole or, if the offender has been released, terminate the parole.
Review
(6.4) If the Board exercises its power under subsection (6.3) in the absence of a hearing, it shall, within the period prescribed by the regulations, review — and either confirm or cancel — its decision.
1995, c. 22, s. 18 (Sch. IV, item 19), c. 42, s. 50(7); 1997, c. 17, s. 32.1
(6) Subsections 135(9.1) to (9.5) of the Act are replaced by the following:
Non-application of subsection (1.1)
(9.1) Unless the lieutenant governor in council of a province in which there is a provincial parole board makes a declaration under subsection 113(1) that subsection (1.1) applies in respect of offenders under the jurisdiction of that provincial parole board, subsection (1.1) does not apply in respect of such offenders, other than an offender who
(a) is serving a sentence in a provincial correctional facility pursuant to an agreement entered into under paragraph 16(1)(a); or
(b) as a result of receiving an additional sentence referred to in subsection (1.1), is required, under section 743.1 of the Criminal Code, to serve the sentence in a penitentiary.
Parole inoperative
(9.2) If an offender to whom subsection (1.1) does not apply, and who is on parole that has not been revoked or terminated, receives an additional sentence that is to be served consecutively with the sentence the offender was serving when the additional sentence was imposed, the parole becomes inoperative and the offender shall be reincarcerated until the day on which the offender has served, from the day on which the additional sentence was imposed, the period of ineligibility in relation to the additional sentence. On that day, the parole is resumed, subject to the provisions of this Act, unless, before that day, the parole has been revoked or terminated.
1997, c. 17, s. 33
39. The portion of subsection 135.1(6) of the Act before paragraph (c) is replaced by the following:
Review by Board
(6) The Board shall, on the referral to it of the case of an offender, review the case and, before the end of the period referred to in subsection (2),
(a) cancel the suspension, if the Board is satisfied that, in view of the offender’s behaviour while being supervised, the resumption of long-term supervision would not constitute a substantial risk to society by reason of the offender reoffending before the expiration of the period of long-term supervision; or
1997, c. 17, s. 33
40. Section 136 of the Act is replaced by the following:
Warrant for apprehension and recommitment
136. A member of the Board or a person designated, by name or position, by the Chairperson of the Board or the Commissioner may, by warrant, authorize an offender’s apprehension and recommitment to custody if
(a) their parole is terminated or revoked or becomes inoperative under subsection 135(9.2); or
(b) their statutory release is terminated or revoked or they are no longer entitled to be released on statutory release as a result of a change to their statutory release date under subsection 127(5.1).
1997, c. 17, s. 34
41. Subsection 137(1) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Execution of warrant
137. (1) A warrant of apprehension issued under section 11.1, 118, 135, 135.1 or 136 or by a provincial parole board, or an electronically transmitted copy of the warrant, shall be executed by any peace officer to whom it is given in any place in Canada as if it had been originally issued or subsequently endorsed by a justice or other lawful authority having jurisdiction in that place.
1995, c. 42, s. 53
42. Subsection 138(6) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Effect of revocation on statutory release
(6) Subject to subsections 130(4) and (6), an offender whose parole or statutory release has been revoked is entitled to be released on statutory release in accordance with subsection 127(5).
43. The heading before section 139 of the Act is replaced by the following:




Explanatory Notes
Corrections and Conditional Release Act
Clause 1: (1) The definition “victim” in subsection 2(1) reads as follows:
“victim”
(a) means a person to whom harm was done or who suffered physical or emotional damage as a result of the commission of an offence, and
(b) where the person is dead, ill or otherwise incapacitated, the person’s spouse, an individual who is cohabiting, or was cohabiting at the time of the person’s death, with the person in a conjugal relationship, having so cohabited for a period of at least one year, any relative or dependant of the person, or anyone who has in law or fact custody or is responsible for the care or support of the person;
(2) The relevant portion of the definition “inmate” in subsection 2(1) reads as follows:
“inmate” means
...
(b) a person who, having been sentenced, committed or transferred to penitentiary,
(i) is temporarily outside penitentiary by reason of a temporary absence or work release authorized under this Act, or
(ii) is temporarily outside penitentiary for reasons other than a temporary absence, work release, parole or statutory release, but is under the direction or supervision of a staff member or of a person authorized by the Service;
(3) New.
Clause 2: The relevant portion of section 4 reads as follows:
4. The principles that shall guide the Service in achieving the purpose referred to in section 3 are
...
(i) that offenders are expected to obey penitentiary rules and conditions governing temporary absence, work release, parole and statutory release, and to actively participate in programs designed to promote their rehabilitation and reintegration; and
Clause 3: Subsection 16(2) reads as follows:
(2) Subject to subsection (3), a person who, pursuant to an agreement entered into under paragraph (1)(b), is confined in a penitentiary is, notwithstanding subsection 743.3(1) of the Criminal Code, subject to all the statutes, regulations and rules applicable in the penitentiary in which the person is confined.
Clause 4: Subsection 17(1) reads as follows:
17. (1) Where, in the opinion of the institutional head,
(a) an inmate will not, by reoffending, present an undue risk to society during an absence authorized under this section,
(b) it is desirable for the inmate to be absent from penitentiary, escorted by a staff member or other person authorized by the institutional head, for medical, administrative, community service, family contact, personal development for rehabilitative purposes, or compassionate reasons, including parental responsibilities,
(c) the inmate’s behaviour while under sentence does not preclude authorizing the absence, and
(d) a structured plan for the absence has been prepared,
the absence may, subject to section 746.1 of the Criminal Code, subsection 140.3(2) of the National Defence Act and subsection 15(2) of the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act, be authorized by the institutional head
(e) for an unlimited period for medical reasons, or
(f) for reasons other than medical,
(i) for a period not exceeding five days, or
(ii) with the Commissioner’s approval, for a period exceeding five days but not exceeding fifteen days.
Clause 5: Section 18 and the heading before it read as follows:
Work Releases
18. (1) In this section, “work release” means a structured program of release of specified duration for work or community service outside the penitentiary, under the supervision of a staff member or other person or organization authorized by the institutional head.
(2) Where an inmate is eligible for unescorted temporary absences under Part II or pursuant to section 746.1 of the Criminal Code, subsection 140.3(2) of the National Defence Act or subsection 15(2) of the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act, and, in the opinion of the institutional head,
(a) the inmate will not, by reoffending, present an undue risk to society during a work release,
(b) it is desirable for the inmate to participate in a structured program of work or community service in the community,
(c) the inmate’s behaviour while under sentence does not preclude authorizing the work release, and
(d) a structured plan for the work release has been prepared,
the institutional head may authorize a work release, for such duration as is fixed by the institutional head, subject to the approval of the Commissioner if the duration is to exceed sixty days.
(3) The institutional head may impose, in relation to a work release, any conditions that the institutional head considers reasonable and necessary in order to protect society.
(4) The institutional head may suspend or cancel a work release either before or after its commencement.
(5) The institutional head shall give the inmate written reasons for the authorizing, refusal, suspension or cancellation of a work release.
(6) Where a work release is suspended or cancelled after its commencement, the institutional head may cause a warrant in writing to be issued authorizing the apprehension and recommitment to custody of the inmate.
Clause 6: (1) and (2) The relevant portion of subsection 26(1) reads as follows:
26. (1) At the request of a victim of an offence committed by an offender, the Commissioner
...
(b) may disclose to the victim any of the following information about the offender, where in the Commissioner’s opinion the interest of the victim in such disclosure clearly outweighs any invasion of the offender’s privacy that could result from the disclosure:
...
(iii) the date, if any, on which the offender is to be released on temporary absence, work release, parole or statutory release,
...
(v) any of the conditions attached to the offender’s temporary absence, work release, parole or statutory release,
(vi) the destination of the offender on any temporary absence, work release, parole or statutory release, and whether the offender will be in the vicinity of the victim while travelling to that destination, and
Clause 7: Section 55 reads as follows:
55. Subject to section 56 and subsection 57(2), a staff member, or any other person so authorized by the Service, may demand that an offender submit to urinalysis
(a) at once, where the staff member or other authorized person has reasonable grounds to suspect that the offender has breached any condition of a temporary absence, work release, parole or statutory release that requires abstention from alcohol or drugs, in order to monitor the offender’s compliance with that condition; or
(b) at regular intervals, in order to monitor the offender’s compliance with any condition of a temporary absence, work release, parole or statutory release that requires abstention from alcohol or drugs.
Clause 8: New.
Clause 9: Subsection 71(1) reads as follows:
71. (1) In order to promote relationships between inmates and the community, an inmate is entitled to have reasonable contact, including visits and correspondence, with family, friends and other persons from outside the penitentiary, subject to such reasonable limits as are prescribed for protecting the security of the penitentiary or the safety of persons.
Clause 10: Section 84 reads as follows:
84. Where an inmate who is applying for parole has expressed an interest in being released to an aboriginal community, the Service shall, if the inmate consents, give the aboriginal community
(a) adequate notice of the inmate’s parole application; and
(b) an opportunity to propose a plan for the inmate’s release to, and integration into, the aboriginal community.
Clause 11: Subsection 88(3) reads as follows:
(3) For the purpose of paragraph (1)(a), an inmate’s consent to treatment shall not be considered involuntary merely because the treatment is a requirement for a temporary absence, work release or parole.
Clause 12: (1) Subsection 93(2) reads as follows:
(2) Where the institutional head is satisfied that an inmate’s re-entry into the community will be facilitated by an earlier release than that provided for by subsection (1), the institutional head may release the inmate up to five days before the day on which the inmate is entitled to be released by virtue of statutory release or the expiration of the sentence.
(2) Subsection 93(3.1) reads as follows:
(3.1) An inmate who is to be released on full parole by virtue of a direction of the Board under section 126 shall be released during normal business hours on the day established pursuant to section 120, or, if that day is not a working day, during normal business hours on the following working day.
Clause 13: Subsection 94(1) reads as follows:
94. (1) At the request of a person who has been released from penitentiary on parole or statutory release, or who is entitled to be released from penitentiary on statutory release, the institutional head may allow the person to stay temporarily in the penitentiary in order to assist that person’s rehabilitation, but such a temporary stay may not extend beyond the expiration of the person’s sentence.
Clause 14: (1) to (5) The relevant portion of section 96 reads as follows:
96. The Governor in Council may make regulations
...
(c) respecting, for the purposes of section 22,
(i) the circumstances in which compensation may be paid,
...
(p) prescribing limits on the entry into a penitentiary, and the use by inmates, of publications, video and audio materials, films and computer programs;
...
(s) respecting penitentiary industry;
...
(y) respecting the procedure to be followed on the death of an inmate;
...
(z.7) providing for the monitoring or intercepting of communications of any kind between an inmate and another inmate or other person, where reasonable for protecting the security of the penitentiary or the safety of persons;
(z.8) respecting escorted temporary absences and work releases;
Clause 15: The definition “working day” in subsection 99(1) reads as follows:
“working day”means a day on which offices of the public service of Canada are generally open in the province in question.
Clause 16: Sections 103 and 104 read as follows:
103. The National Parole Board is hereby continued, to consist of not more than forty-five full-time members and a number of part-time members appointed by the Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister, to hold office during good behaviour for periods not exceeding ten years and three years, respectively.
104. The Governor in Council shall designate one of the full-time members of the Board to be its Chairperson and, on the recommendation of the Minister, one of the full-time members to be its Executive Vice-Chairperson.
Clause 17: Subsection 105(3) reads as follows:
(3) Each member of the Board other than the Chairperson and the Executive Vice-Chairperson shall be assigned to a division of the Board specified in the instrument of appointment.
Clause 18: The relevant portion of subsection 107(1) reads as follows:
107. (1) Subject to this Act, the Prisons and Reformatories Act, the Transfer of Offenders Act, the National Defence Act, the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act and the Criminal Code, the Board has exclusive jurisdiction and absolute discretion
...
(e) to authorize or to cancel a decision to authorize the unescorted temporary absence of an offender who is serving, in a penitentiary,
(i) a life sentence imposed as a minimum punishment or commuted from a sentence of death,
(ii) a sentence for an indeterminate period, or
(iii) a sentence for an offence set out in Schedule I or II.
Clause 19: The relevant portion of subsection 115(1) reads as follows:
115. (1) Subject to subsection (2), the portion of a sentence that must be served before an offender serving a sentence in a penitentiary may be released on an unescorted temporary absence is
...
(c) in any other case,
(i) one half of the period required to be served by the offender to reach the offender’s full parole eligibility date, or
(ii) six months,
whichever is greater.
Clause 20: (1) and (2) The relevant portion of subsection 116(1) reads as follows:
116. (1) The Board may authorize the unescorted temporary absence of an offender referred to in paragraph 107(1)(e) where, in the opinion of the Board,
...
(b) it is desirable for the offender to be absent from penitentiary for medical, administrative, community service, family contact, personal development for rehabilitative purposes, or compassionate reasons, including parental responsibilities;
...
(d) a structured plan for the absence has been prepared.
(3) Subsections 116(6) and (7) read as follows:
(6) An unescorted temporary absence for purposes of a specific personal development program may be authorized for a maximum of sixty days and may be renewed, for periods of up to sixty days each, for the purposes of the program.
(7) Unescorted temporary absences for reasons other than those referred to in subsection (3) or (4) may be authorized for a maximum total of forty-eight hours per month for an offender classified by the Service as a medium security offender, and for a maximum total of seventy-two hours per month for an offender classified as a minimum security offender.
Clause 21: (1) Subsection 117(1) reads as follows:
117. (1) The Board may confer on the Commissioner or the institutional head, for such period and subject to such conditions as it specifies, any of its powers under section 116 in respect of any class of offenders or class of absences.
(2) and (3) Subsections 117(3) and (4) read as follows:
(3) Where the Board has not authorized the Commissioner or the institutional head under subsection (1) in respect of the offender or in respect of the absence, the institutional head of the penitentiary from which an unescorted temporary absence has been effected may suspend the absence if, in the opinion of the institutional head, the offender’s retention in custody or recommitment to custody is justified in order to protect society, on the basis of information that could not reasonably have been provided to the Board when the absence was authorized.
(4) An institutional head who suspends the unescorted temporary absence of an offender shall forthwith refer the offender’s case to the Board, and the Board shall decide whether the absence should be cancelled.
Clause 22: Section 118 reads as follows:
118. A person who cancels an unescorted temporary absence pursuant to subsection 116(10) or pursuant to a delegation of power under subsection 117(1) or (2), or who suspends an unescorted temporary absence pursuant to subsection 117(3), shall cause a warrant in writing to be issued authorizing the apprehension and recommitment to custody of the offender pursuant to section 137, where the offender is not in custody in a penitentiary or in a hospital referred to in subsection 117(2).
Clause 23: Section 119.2 is new. Section 119.1 reads as follows:
119.1 The portion of the sentence of an offender who is eligible for accelerated parole review under sections 125 and 126 that must be served before the offender may be released on day parole is six months, or one sixth of the sentence, whichever is longer.
Clause 24: Sections 120.1 to 120.3 read as follows:
120.1 (1) Where an offender who is serving a sentence receives an additional sentence that is to be served consecutively to the sentence the offender was serving when the additional sentence was imposed, the offender is not eligible for full parole until the day on which the offender has served, commencing on the day on which the additional sentence was imposed,
(a) any remaining period of ineligibility in relation to the sentence the offender was serving when the additional sentence was imposed; and
(b) the period of ineligibility in relation to the additional sentence.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), where an offender who is serving a sentence receives an additional sentence that is to be served consecutively to a portion of the sentence the offender was serving when the additional sentence was imposed, the offender is not eligible for full parole until the day that is the latest of
(a) the day on which the offender has served the period of ineligibility for full parole in relation to the sentence the offender was serving when the additional sentence was imposed,
(b) the day on which the offender has served, commencing on the date on which the additional sentence was imposed, the period of ineligibility for full parole in relation to the additional sentence, and
(c) the day on which the offender has served the period of ineligibility for full parole in relation to the sentence that includes the additional sentence as provided by subsection 139(1).
120.2 (1) Subject to subsection (2), where an offender who is serving a sentence receives an additional sentence that is to be served concurrently with any portion of the sentence the offender was serving when the additional sentence was imposed, the offender is not eligible for full parole until the day that is the later of
(a) the day on which the offender has served the period of ineligibility in relation to the sentence the offender was serving when the additional sentence was imposed, and
(b) the day on which the offender has served
(i) the period of ineligibility in relation to any portion of the sentence that includes the additional sentence as provided by subsection 139(1) and that is subject to an order under section 743.6 of the Criminal Code or section 140.4 of the National Defence Act, and
(ii) the period of ineligibility in relation to any other portion of that sentence.
(2) Where an offender who is sentenced to life imprisonment or for an indeterminate period receives an additional sentence for a determinate period, the offender is not eligible for full parole until the day on which the offender has served, commencing on the day on which the additional sentence was imposed,
(a) any remaining period of ineligibility to which the offender is subject; and
(b) the period of ineligibility in relation to the additional sentence.
(3) Where, pursuant to section 745.6 of the Criminal Code, subsection 140.3(2) of the National Defence Act or subsection 15(2) of the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act, there has been a reduction in the number of years of imprisonment without eligibility for parole of an offender referred to in subsection (2), the offender is not eligible for full parole until the day on which the offender has served, commencing on the day on which the additional sentence was imposed,
(a) the remaining period of ineligibility to which the offender would have been subject, after taking into account the reduction; and
(b) the period of ineligibility in relation to the additional sentence.
120.3 Subject to section 745 of the Criminal Code, subsection 140.3(1) of the National Defence Act and subsection 15(1) of the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act, where an offender who is serving a sentence receives an additional sentence, the day on which the offender is eligible for full parole shall not be later than the day on which the offender has served fifteen years from the day on which the last of the sentences was imposed.
Clause 25: (1) The relevant portion of subsection 121(1) reads as follows:
121. (1) Subject to section 102 and notwithstanding sections 119 to 120.3 or any order made under section 743.6 of the Criminal Code or section 140.4 of the National Defence Act, parole may be granted at any time to an offender
(2) The relevant portion of subsection 121(2) reads as follows:
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to an offender who is
Clause 26: New.
Clause 27: (1) Subsection 122(1.1) is new. Subsections 122(1) to (3) read as follows:
122. (1) Subject to subsection 119(2), the Board shall, on application, at the time prescribed by the regulations, review, for the purpose of day parole, the case of every offender other than an offender referred to in subsection (2).
(2) The Board may, on application, at the time prescribed by the regulations, review, for the purpose of day parole, the case of an offender who is serving a sentence of two years or more in a provincial correctional facility in a province in which no program of day parole has been established for that category of offender.
(3) With respect to a review commenced under this section, the Board shall decide whether to grant day parole, or may adjourn the review for a reason authorized by the regulations and for a reasonable period not exceeding the maximum period prescribed by the regulations.
(2) Subsection 122(5.1) is new. Subsection 122(5) reads as follows:
(5) Day parole may be granted to an offender for a period not exceeding six months, and may be continued for additional periods not exceeding six months each following reviews of the case by the Board.
Clause 28: (1) Subsections 123(1) and (2) read as follows:
123. (1) Subject to subsection (2), the Board shall, at the time prescribed by the regulations, review, for the purpose of full parole, the case of every offender who is serving a sentence of two years or more and who is not within the jurisdiction of a provincial parole board.
(2) The Board is not required under subsection (1) or (5) to review the case of an offender who has advised the Board in writing that the offender does not wish to be considered for full parole and who has not in writing revoked that advice.
(2) Subsection 123(4) reads as follows:
(4) With respect to a review commenced under this section, the Board shall decide whether to grant full parole, or may grant day parole, or may adjourn the review for a reason authorized by the regulations and for a reasonable period not exceeding the maximum period prescribed by the regulations.
(3) The relevant portion of subsection 123(5) reads as follows:
(5) Where the Board decides not to grant parole following a review pursuant to section 122 or subsection (1) or a review is not made by virtue of subsection (2), the Board shall conduct another review within two years after the later of
(4) Subsection 123(5.1) is new. Subsection 123(6) reads as follows:
(6) Where the Board decides not to grant full parole following a review pursuant to this section, no further application for full parole may be made until six months after the decision or until such earlier time as the regulations prescribe or the Board determines.
Clause 29: (1) Subsection 124(1) reads as follows:
124. (1) The Board is not required to review the case of an offender who is unlawfully at large at the time prescribed for a review under section 122, 123 or 126, but shall do so as soon as possible after being informed of the offender’s return to custody.
(2) Subsection 124(3) reads as follows:
(3) Where an offender has been granted parole under section 122, 123 or 126, the Board may, after a review of the case based on information that could not reasonably have been provided to it at the time parole was granted, cancel the parole if the offender has not been released or terminate the parole if the offender has been released.
Clause 30: The heading before section 125 and sections 125 to 126.1 read as follows:
Accelerated Parole Reviews
125. (1) This section and section 126 apply to an offender sentenced, committed or transferred to penitentiary for the first time, otherwise than pursuant to an agreement entered into under paragraph 16(1)(b), other than an offender
(a) serving a sentence for one of the following offences, namely,
(i) murder,
(ii) an offence set out in Schedule I or a conspiracy to commit such an offence,
(ii.1) an offence under section 83.02 (providing or collecting property for certain activities), 83.03 (providing, making available, etc. property or services for terrorist purposes), 83.04 (using or possessing property for terrorist purposes), 83.18 (participation in activity of terrorist group), 83.19 (facilitating terrorist activity), 83.2 (to carry out activity for terrorist group), 83.21 (instructing to carry out activity for terrorist group), 83.22 (instructing to carry out terrorist activity) or 83.23 (harbouring or concealing) of the Criminal Code or a conspiracy to commit such an offence,
(iii) an offence under section 463 of the Criminal Code that was prosecuted by indictment in relation to an offence set out in Schedule I, other than the offence set out in paragraph (1)(q) of that Schedule,
(iv) an offence set out in Schedule II in respect of which an order has been made under section 743.6 of the Criminal Code,
(v) an offence contrary to section 130 of the National Defence Act where the offence is murder, an offence set out in Schedule I or an offence set out in Schedule II in respect of which an order has been made under section 140.4 of the National Defence Act, or
(vi) a criminal organization offence within the meaning of section 2 of the Criminal Code, including an offence under subsection 82(2);
(a.1) convicted of an offence under section 240 of the Criminal Code;
(b) serving a life sentence imposed otherwise than as a minimum punishment; or
(c) whose day parole has been revoked.
(1.1) For greater certainty, this section and section 126
(a) apply to an offender referred to in subsection (1) who, after being sentenced, committed or transferred to penitentiary for the first time, is sentenced in respect of an offence, other than an offence referred to in paragraph (1)(a), that was committed before the offender was sentenced, committed or transferred to penitentiary for the first time; and
(b) do not apply to an offender referred to in subsection (1) who, after being sentenced, committed or transferred to penitentiary for the first time, commits an offence under an Act of Parliament for which the offender receives an additional sentence.
(2) The Service shall, at the time prescribed by the regulations, review the case of an offender to whom this section applies for the purpose of referral of the case to the Board for a determination under section 126.
(3) A review made pursuant to subsection (2) shall be based on all reasonably available information that is relevant, including
(a) the social and criminal history of the offender obtained pursuant to section 23;
(b) information relating to the performance and behaviour of the offender while under sentence; and
(c) any information that discloses a potential for violent behaviour by the offender.
(4) On completion of a review pursuant to subsection (2), the Service shall, within such period as is prescribed by the regulations preceding the offender’s eligibility date for full parole, refer the case to the Board together with all information that, in its opinion, is relevant to the case.
(5) The Service may delegate to the correctional authorities of a province its powers under this section in relation to offenders who are serving their sentences in provincial correctional facilities in that province.
126. (1) The Board shall review without a hearing, at or before the time prescribed by the regulations, the case of an offender referred to it pursuant to section 125.
(2) Notwithstanding section 102, if the Board is satisfied that there are no reasonable grounds to believe that the offender, if released, is likely to commit an offence involving violence before the expiration of the offender’s sentence according to law, it shall direct that the offender be released on full parole.
(3) If the Board does not direct, pursuant to subsection (2), that the offender be released on full parole, it shall report its refusal to so direct, and its reasons, to the offender.
(4) The Board shall refer any refusal and reasons reported to the offender pursuant to subsection (3) to a panel of members other than those who reviewed the case under subsection (1), and the panel shall review the case at the time prescribed by the regulations.
(5) Notwithstanding section 102, if the panel reviewing a case pursuant to subsection (4) is satisfied as described in subsection (2), the panel shall direct that the offender be released on full parole.
(6) An offender who is not released on full parole pursuant to subsection (5) is entitled to subsequent reviews in accordance with subsection 123(5).
(7) In this section, “offence involving violence” means murder or any offence set out in Schedule I, but, in determining whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that an offender is likely to commit an offence involving violence, it is not necessary to determine whether the offender is likely to commit any particular offence.
(8) Where the parole of an offender released pursuant to this section is terminated or revoked, the offender is not entitled to another review pursuant to this section.
126.1 Sections 125 and 126 apply, with such modifications as the circumstances require, to a review to determine if an offender referred to in subsection 119.1 should be released on day parole.
Clause 31: Subsection 127(5.1) is new. Subsection 127(5) reads as follows:
(5) Subject to subsections 130(4) and (6), the statutory release date of an offender whose parole or statutory release has been revoked is the day on which the offender has served two thirds of the unexpired portion of the sentence after being recommitted to custody as a result of a suspension or a revocation under section 135.
Clause 32: New.
Clause 33: Subsections 128(3) and (4) read as follows:
(3) Despite subsection (1), for the purposes of paragraph 50(b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and section 40 of the Extradition Act, the sentence of an offender who has been released on parole, statutory release or an unescorted temporary absence is deemed to be completed unless the parole or statutory release has been suspended, terminated or revoked or the unescorted temporary absence is suspended or cancelled or the offender has returned to Canada before the expiration of the sentence according to law.
(4) Despite this Act or the Prisons and Reformatories Act, an offender against whom a removal order has been made under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act is ineligible for day parole or an unescorted temporary absence until the offender is eligible for full parole.
Clause 34: (1) and (2) Subsections 129(1) to (3) read as follows:
129. (1) Before the statutory release date of an offender who is serving a sentence of two years or more that includes a sentence imposed for an offence set out in Schedule I or II or an offence set out in Schedule I or II that is punishable under section 130 of the National Defence Act, the Commissioner shall cause the offender’s case to be reviewed by the Service.
(2) After the review of the case of an offender pursuant to subsection (1), and not later than six months before the statutory release date, the Service shall refer the case to the Board together with all the information that, in its opinion, is relevant to it, where the Service is of the opinion
(a) in the case of an offender serving a sentence that includes a sentence for an offence set out in Schedule I, that
(i) the commission of the offence caused the death of or serious harm to another person and there are reasonable grounds to believe that the offender is likely to commit an offence causing death or serious harm to another person before the expiration of the offender’s sentence according to law, or
(ii) the offence was a sexual offence involving a child and there are reasonable grounds to believe that the offender is likely to commit a sexual offence involving a child before the expiration of the offender’s sentence according to law; or
(b) in the case of an offender serving a sentence that includes a sentence for an offence set out in Schedule II, that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the offender is likely to commit a serious drug offence before the expiration of the offender’s sentence according to law.
(3) Where the Commissioner believes on reasonable grounds that an offender who is serving a sentence of two years or more is likely, before the expiration of the sentence according to law, to commit an offence causing death or serious harm to another person, a sexual offence involving a child or a serious drug offence, the Commissioner shall refer the case to the Chairperson of the Board together with all the information in the possession of the Service that, in the Commissioner’s opinion, is relevant to the case, as soon as is practicable after forming that belief, but the referral may not be made later than six months before the offender’s statutory release date unless
(a) the Commissioner formed that belief on the basis of behaviour of the offender during the six months preceding the statutory release date or on the basis of information obtained during those six months; or
(b) as a result of any recalculation of the sentence under this Act, the statutory release date of the offender has passed or less than six months remain before that date.
(3) Subsection 129(4) reads as follows:
(4) At the request of the Board, the Service shall take all reasonable steps to provide the Board with any additional information that is relevant to a case referred pursuant to subsection (2) or (3).
(4) and (5) The relevant portion of the definition “sexual offence involving a child” in subsection 129(9) reads as follows:
“sexual offence involving a child” means
(a) an offence under any of the following provisions of the Criminal Code that was prosecuted by way of indictment, namely,
Clause 35: (1) Subsection 130(1) reads as follows:
130. (1) Where the case of an offender is referred to the Board by the Service pursuant to subsection 129(2) or referred to the Chairperson of the Board by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection 129(3) or (3.1), the Board shall, subject to subsections 129(5), (6) and (7), at the times and in the manner prescribed by the regulations,
(a) inform the offender of the referral and review, and
(b) review the case,
and the Board shall cause all such inquiries to be conducted in connection with the review as it considers necessary.
(2) Subsection 130(5) reads as follows:
(5) An offender who is in custody pursuant to an order made under subsection (3) or amended under paragraph (3.3)(b) is not eligible to be released from imprisonment under this Act except on a temporary absence with escort for medical purposes under Part I.
Clause 36: New.
Clause 37: Subsection 133(4.1) reads as follows:
(4.1) In order to facilitate the successful reintegration into society of an offender, the releasing authority may, as a condition of statutory release, require that the offender reside in a community-based residential facility or in a psychiatric facility, where the releasing authority is satisfied that, in the absence of such a condition, the offender will present an undue risk to society by committing an offence listed in Schedule I before the expiration of the offender’s sentence according to law.
Clause 38: (1) Subsections 135(1.1) and (1.2) are new. Subsection 135(2) reads as follows:
(2) A person designated pursuant to subsection (1) may, by warrant, order the transfer to penitentiary of an offender who is recommitted to custody pursuant to subsection (1) in a place other than a penitentiary.
(2) The relevant portion of subsection 135(3) reads as follows:
(3) The person who signs a warrant pursuant to subsection (1) or any other person designated pursuant to that subsection shall, forthwith after the recommitment of the offender, review the offender’s case and
(3) New.
(4) Subsection 135(5) reads as follows:
(5) The Board shall, on the referral to it of the case of an offender serving a sentence of two years or more, review the case and, within the period prescribed by the regulations, unless the Board grants an adjournment at the offender’s request,
(a) cancel the suspension, where the Board is satisfied that, in view of the offender’s behaviour since release, the offender will not, by reoffending before the expiration of the offender’s sentence according to law, present an undue risk to society;
(b) where the Board is not satisfied as provided in paragraph (a), terminate the parole or statutory release of the offender if it was suspended by reason of circumstances beyond the offender’s control or revoke it in any other case; or
(c) where the offender is no longer eligible for the parole or entitled to be released on statutory release, terminate or revoke it.
(5) New.
(6) Subsections 135(9.1) to (9.5) read as follows:
(9.1) Where an offender whose parole or statutory release has not been terminated or revoked is incarcerated as a result of an additional sentence for an offence under an Act of Parliament, the parole or statutory release, as the case may be, is revoked on the day on which the offender is incarcerated as a result of the additional sentence.
(9.2) Subsection (9.1) does not apply where the additional sentence is to be served concurrently with, and is in respect of an offence committed before the commencement of, the sentence to which the parole or statutory release applies.
(9.3) Where an offender who is released on parole receives an additional sentence described in subsection (9.2) and the day determined in accordance with section 119, 120 or 120.2, as the case may be, on which the offender is eligible for parole is later than the day on which the offender received the additional sentence, the parole becomes inoperative and the offender shall be reincarcerated.
(9.4) Unless the lieutenant governor in council of a province in which there is a provincial parole board makes a declaration under subsection 113(1) that subsection (9.1) applies in respect of offenders under the jurisdiction of that provincial parole board, subsection (9.1) does not apply in respect of such offenders, other than an offender who
(a) is serving a sentence in a provincial correctional facility pursuant to an agreement entered into under paragraph 16(1)(a); or
(b) as a result of receiving an additional sentence referred to in subsection (9.1), is required, pursuant to section 743.1 of the Criminal Code, to serve the sentence in a penitentiary.
(9.5) Where an offender to whom subsection (9.1) does not apply who is on parole that has not been revoked or terminated receives an additional sentence, for an offence under an Act of Parliament, that is to be served consecutively with the sentence the offender was serving when the additional sentence was imposed, the parole becomes inoperative and the offender shall be reincarcerated until the day on which the offender has served, from the day on which the additional sentence was imposed, the period of ineligibility in relation to the additional sentence and, on that day, the parole is resumed, subject to the provisions of this Act, unless, before that day, the parole has been revoked or terminated.
Clause 39: The relevant portion of subsection 135.1(6) reads as follows:
(6) The Board shall, on the referral to it of the case of an offender, review the case and, within sixty days after the date of the referral,
(a) cancel the suspension, where the Board is satisfied that, in view of the offender’s behaviour while being supervised, the resumption of long-term supervision on the same conditions would not constitute a substantial risk to society by reason of the offender reoffending before the expiration of the period of long-term supervision;
(b) where the Board is not satisfied as provided in paragraph (a), cancel the suspension and order the resumption of long-term supervision on any conditions that the Board considers necessary to protect society; or
Clause 40: Section 136 reads as follows:
136. When the parole or statutory release of an offender is terminated or revoked or where it becomes inoperative pursuant to subsection 135(9.3) or (9.5), a member of the Board or a person designated, by name or by position, by the Chairperson of the Board or by the Commissioner may, by warrant, authorize the apprehension and recommitment to custody of the offender pursuant to section 137.
Clause 41: Subsection 137(1) reads as follows:
137. (1) A warrant of apprehension issued under section 11.1, 18, 118, 135, 135.1 or 136 or by a provincial parole board, or an electronically transmitted copy of such a warrant, shall be executed by any peace officer to whom it is given in any place in Canada as if it had been originally issued or subsequently endorsed by a justice or other lawful authority having jurisdiction in that place.
Clause 42: Subsection 138(6) reads as follows:
(6) Subject to subsections 130(4) and (6), an offender whose parole or statutory release has been revoked is entitled to be released on statutory release in accordance with section 127.
Clause 43: The heading before section 139 reads as follows:
Multiple Sentences