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Section II - Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome(s)

Strategic Outcome

The Parole Board of Canada has a single strategic outcome:

  • Conditional release and record suspension decisions and decision processes that safeguard Canadian communities.

Program Activity by Strategic Outcome

PBC program activities and priorities are designed to support continuous progress in achieving the strategic outcome. To support this outcome, PBC has four program activities:

  • Conditional release decisions;
  • Conditional release openness and accountability;
  • Record suspensions decisions/clemency recommendations; and,
  • Internal services.

The following section describes the PBC’s program activities and identifies the expected results, performance indicators and targets for each of them. This section also explains how the PBC plans on meeting the expected results and presents the financial and non-financial resources that will be dedicated to each activity.

Program Activity 1.1: Conditional Release Decisions

Strategic Outcome Chart

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ thousands)
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending
333 39,357 333 36,690 333 37,603

Program Activity Expected Results Performance Indicators Targets[8]
Quality conditional release decisions that contribute to public safety The percentage of offenders on parole that incur a new violent offence prior to the end of the supervision period 98% of offenders are not convicted of a violent offence prior to the end of their supervision periods
The percentage of offenders who completed their sentence on full parole and who are re-admitted after release because of a new violent conviction (five years post-warrant expiry) 98% of offenders who completed their sentences on full parole have not been readmitted after release because of a new violent offence five years after warrant expiry
The percentage of decisions that are modified by the Appeal Division 95% affirmation rate for conditional release decisions

Program Activity Description and Benefits to Canadians: Conditional release is based on the principle that community safety is enhanced by gradual release to the community. The quality of decisions on the risk of re-offending, in conjunction with effective programs and treatment, and effective community supervision all contribute to the process. This program activity supports public safety by providing quality decisions on the timing and conditions of release of offenders into the community. Through this program activity, PBC employees provide timely and accurate information for Board member decision-making, and develop effective training and policies that are essential tools for quality risk assessment and decision-making. Effectiveness is assessed by monitoring the outcomes of release on parole.

This program activity is directly supported by the following priorities identified for 2012-13:

  • Effectively fulfilling legislative responsibilities related to quality conditional release decision-making;
  • Strengthening PBC governance, decision-making practices and supports, ensuring the Board remains a flexible organization; and,
  • Ensuring fair and transparent people management.

Program Activity 1.2: Conditional Release Openness and Accountability

Program Activity 1.2: Conditional Release Openness and Accountability

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ thousands)
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending
60 6,852 60 6,936 60 7,080

Program Activity Expected Results Performance Indicators Targets
Conditional release processes that ensure that the PBC operates in an open and accountable manner, consistent with the CCRA Percentage of victims who are satisfied with the quality and timeliness of information provided by PBC 80% satisfaction rating[9]
The percentage of those who access PBC services who are satisfied with the quality and timeliness of information provided by PBC 80% satisfaction rating[10]

Program Activity Description and Benefits to Canadians: This program activity ensures that the PBC operates in an open and accountable manner, consistent with the provisions of the CCRA. This program activity consists of the provision of information for victims of crime; as well as assistance for victims and other observers at hearings and those who seek access to the Board’s registry of decisions. Results for this program activity are assessed by monitoring the quality and timeliness of information shared. Work in this area recognizes that the PBC operates in a difficult environment in which timely sharing of accurate information is fundamental for effective partnership and public trust.

This program activity is supported directly by PBC’s priorities for:

  • Effectively fulfilling legislative responsibilities related to open and accountable conditional release processes;
  • Ensuring fair and transparent people management;
  • Effectively providing services to victims and the public; and,
  • Efficiently managing partnerships with stakeholders.

Program Activity 1.3: Record Suspension Decisions/Clemency Recommendations

Program Activity 1.3: Record Suspension Decisions/Clemency Recommendations

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ thousands)
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
FTEs Planned Spending Revenue FTEs Planned Spending Revenue FTEs Planned Spending Revenue
50 7,578 7,578 50 7,578 7,578 50 7,578 7,578

Program Activity Expected Results Performance Indicators Targets
Quality record suspension decisions that support rehabilitation and community reintegration The percentage of record suspension recipients whose record suspensions cease to exist or whose record suspensions are revoked Cumulative cessation/revocation rate not to exceed 5%

Program Activity Description and Benefits to Canadians: A record suspension is designed to support the successful reintegration of an individual into society. It is a formal attempt to remove the stigma of a criminal record for people found guilty of a federal offence and who, after satisfying their sentence and a specified waiting period, have shown themselves to be responsible law abiding citizens. Through this program activity, the PBC screens applications for completeness and eligibility of the applicant, collects information for decision-making and develops policy to guide decision processes. The results of this program are assessed through ongoing review of the average time required to process record suspensions applications, and the rates of revocation of record suspensions ordered. This program activity is supported by the following priorities:

  • Effectively fulfilling legislative responsibilities related to the processing of record suspension applications and clemency requests;
  • Strengthening PBC governance, decision-making practices and supports, ensuring the Board remains a flexible organization;
  • Ensuring fair and transparent people management; and,
  • Efficiently managing partnerships with stakeholders.

The benefits of the program include:

  • Ensuring careful consideration is given to issues of public safety;
  • Providing an opportunity for record suspension recipients to contribute to their communities as law-abiding citizens;
  • Those who receive a record suspension have increased opportunities for employment, housing, insurance, and travel, allowing them to generate revenue, capital and contribute to economic growth; and,
  • Most individuals (over 96%) remain crime free, demonstrating the value of the program as a long-term measure for community reintegration.

The RPM or Clemency is a discretionary power vested in the Office of the Governor General by virtue of the Letters Patent and the Governor in Council, under sections 748, 748.1 of the Criminal Code of Canada, who may apply exceptional remedies under exceptional circumstances to deserving cases.

The benefits of the program include:

  • Addresses instances of substantial injustice; and,
  • Addresses instances of undue hardship.

Program Activity 1.4: Internal Services

Program Activity 1.4: Internet Services

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ thousands)
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending
54 5,280 54 5,331 54 5,420

Program Activity Expected Results Performance Indicators Targets
Efficient and effective internal services that support quality program delivery Services provided meet standards set under Government-wide policies as well as Management Accountability Framework (MAF) expectations To meet or surpass government standards related to management capacity and practices as outlined and assessed through the MAF

Program Activity Description and Benefits to Canadians: This program activity includes the provision of financial, human resource, administration, security and management services and provides services that enable the Board to function while ensuring compliance to new and existing central agency policies. This program activity is supported by the following priorities:

  • Strengthening PBC governance, decision-making practices and supports, ensuring the Board remains a flexible organization; and,
  • Ensuring fair and transparent people management.

Internal Services strives to:

  • Ensure that the Board’s governance structure facilitates the most effective and flexible decision-making possible;
  • Ensure that the appropriate human and financial resources are in place to advance the Board’s key and ongoing priorities;
  • Generate the most effective, results-based planning to ensure logic and cohesion in all PBC activities;
  • Conduct program monitoring, reviews and evaluation to ensure that operations are transparent and accountable;
  • Ensure that the technological tools that are essential to the Board’s operations are in place; and,
  • Maintain a culture of continuous innovation and improvement.

Reporting internal services through a common government-wide approach to planning, designing, budgeting, reporting and communicating internal services allows Canadians to see the full cost and proportion of resources spent in the Board, and across the federal government for support activities.