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2009-10
Report on Plans and Priorities
National Parole Board
Supplementary Information (Tables)
Table of Contents
- Horizontal Initiatives
- Internal Audits
- Sources of Respendable and Non-respendable Revenue
- User Fees/External Fees
Horizontal Initiatives
The National Parole Board became involved as a partner in the ongoing implementation of Firearms legislation in 1999-2000. Introduction of the Firearms legislation and related changes to the Criminal Code created longer sentences for offences involving the use of a firearm or an imitation firearm. Longer sentences generate the need for more conditional release reviews which, in turn, increase NPB’s program delivery costs (salary and non-salary).
As a result, the Board received a permanent increase to its funding base. The increase was incremental, rising from $437,000 in 1999-2000 to $858,000 per year in 2004-2005 and future years, consistent with projected workload growth. Workload data indicate that the Board now carries-out 1,400 to 2,000 reviews annually for offenders with firearms convictions. The estimated total cost for these reviews averages $1.6 million, of which $858,000 is covered by funding provided specifically as a result of changes in Firearms legislation.
The Board will also become involved in the National Anti-Drug Strategy following Royal Assent for legislative proposals calling for introduction of mandatory minimum penalties for serious drug offences. Current plans call for provision of $7.2 million for NPB over four years, including $2.2 million in 2009-10 to manage increased numbers of conditional release reviews as a result of mandatory minimum sentences.
Upcoming Internal Audits and Evaluations
| Subject | Status | Expected Completion Date | Electronic Link to Report |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evaluation of NPB initiatives related to the unique needs and circumstances of Aboriginal offenders, women offenders and ethno-cultural groups of offenders in the context of conditional release | Planned | March 31, 2012 | will be provided when available |
| Evaluation of measures to provide victims with a more effective voice in criminal justice | Planned | March 31, 2011 | will be provided when available |
| Review to assess the impact of processes to improve the pardon application process | Planned | March 31, 2010 | will be provided when available |
| Evaluation of the impacts and effects of the strategic framework for citizen engagement, including expansion of the framework for citizen engagement to include rural, Aboriginal and culturally diverse communities | Planned | March 31, 2013 | will be provided when available |
| Evaluation of departmental learning strategy | Planned | March 31, 2013 | will be provided when available |
Sources of Non-Respendable Revenue
| Program Activity | Non-respendable revenue | Forecast Revenue 2008-09 |
Planned Revenue 2009-10 |
Planned Revenue 2010-11 |
Planned Revenue 2011-12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pardon Decisions/Clemency Recommendations | Pardon User fees | 933 | 900 | 900 | 900 |
| Total Non-respendable Revenue | 933 | 900 | 900 | 900 | |
User Fees
| Name of User Fee | Fee Type | Fee-setting Authority | Reason for Planned Introduction of or Amendment to Fee | Effective Date of Planned Change | Consultation and Review Process Planned |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processing pardon application | Regulatory Service | Financial Administration Act |
The NPB is proposing to increase the user fee for the processing of pardon applications to enable it to manage workload increases associated with the processing of pardon applications, to ensure the provision of services to pardon applicants at a reasonable level and to establish sustainability for the pardon program. In recent years, the Board has experienced a significant increase in the number of pardon applications received annually, from 19,000 four years ago to 37,000 in 2008-09. This growth trend is expected to continue, with projections of up to 50,000 applications per year in the near future. Workload growth of this magnitude cannot be managed with the current level of resources available for pardons, nor can the Board reallocate internally to the pardon program without jeopardizing its capacity for effective management of its legislated responsibilities for conditional release, and therefore, its ability to contribute to public safety in an effective manner. While numerous steps have been taken to streamline pardon processes, the Board must also obtain access to increased revenues from the pardon user fee in order to establish sustainability for the pardon program. |
2009-10 |
The proposal to increase the user fee for processing a pardon application was approved as an efficiency measure in the strategic review process. Implementation of this proposal, which will be consistent with the requirements of the User Fees Act, will be supported by a series of consultations involving:
|