RECOMMENDATION 1

The Committee believes that an inmate’s adherence to their correctional plan is important in the reduction of drugs and alcohol within prisons. The Committee calls on the Government to continue its progress on the expansion of the use of correctional plans.

RECOMMENDATION 2

That the Government should investigate whether legislative amendments are required with respect to existing disciplinary measures, criminal penalties, and/or the scope of correctional officers’ law enforcement authority in order to help combat drugs and alcohol in federal correctional institutions.

RECOMMENDATION 3

That the Correctional Service of Canada continue its discussions with Industry Canada to determine whether cell phone jamming technology can be safely used in federal correctional institutions to disrupt cell phones used to arrange drug transactions.

RECOMMENDATION 4

That the Government continue the good work it has done in giving our front-line correctional officers the tools they need to do their job.

RECOMMENDATION 5

That the Correctional Service of Canada continue to ensure that inmate assessment happens no longer than 90 days following their admission, so inmates can begin their correctional programs as quickly as possible.

RECOMMENDATION 6

That the Correctional Service of Canada continue to ensure that mental health and addictions issues are assessed in a timely manner and that adequate and appropriate treatment be provided.

RECOMMENDATION 7

The Committee takes note of the progress that this Government has made in addressing issues of mental health in prison and the link between offenders with mental health issues and substance abuse in prison.

RECOMMENDATION 8

That every effort be taken to eliminate waiting lists so that inmates may receive speedy access to programs, especially drug and alcohol treatment programs, as quickly as possible.

RECOMMENDATION 9

That the Government maintain its commitment to establish drug-free prisons.

RECOMMENDATION 10

That the Correctional Service of Canada continue to undertake and implement new security and interdiction measures at federal penitentiaries.

RECOMMENDATION 11

The Committee recognizes that problems with drugs and alcohol are still prevalent in Canadian prisons and that strong interdiction measures and effective programming implemented by the Correctional Service of Canada drastically reduce these problems. We call on the Government to continue their already substantial progress in this area.

RECOMMENDATION 12

That professional training programs and increased work opportunities be offered for inmates.

RECOMMENDATION 13

That measures be taken to ensure that new parolees are adequately supported to continue their rehabilitation and reintegration in the community.

RECOMMENDATION 14

That the Correctional Service of Canada take steps to encourage positive and healthy family visits.