QUESTION PERIOD — Public Safety
Parole Eligibility
September 24, 2024
Senator Gold, Indigenous women and gender-diverse individuals are vastly overrepresented in Canada’s federal correctional institutions, with Indigenous women accounting for 50% of federally incarcerated women.
Correctional Service Canada often claims it does not control who enters federal prisons, but it does have significant control over how individuals are classified, how security levels are assigned and how parole eligibility is determined — all of which disproportionately affect Indigenous individuals.
Given the apparent systemic biases in CSC’s risk assessment tools, which have been shown to disproportionately harm Indigenous women, what specific actions is the government taking to reform these assessment practices? Also, how is CSC ensuring that culturally relevant rehabilitation and support programs are in place so that Indigenous women and gender-diverse individuals can access parole and reintegrate into society in a timely and successful manner?
Thank you for your question. Indeed, the ongoing overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples within the justice system is a critical issue that we must continue to address.
I’ve been informed that Correctional Service Canada has taken important steps in this regard, for example, by creating a Deputy Commissioner for Indigenous Corrections, who is focused on addressing this overrepresentation. Their work includes implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, or UNDRIP, and the recommendations of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, or MMIWG. The government is also making investments in culturally relevant services through the Indigenous Community Corrections Initiative, which supports reintegration projects for Indigenous offenders.
The government is well aware there is much more work to be done. It will remain engaged with all partners on this important work.
