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SECTION II: ANALYSIS OF PROGRAM ACTIVITIES BY STRATEGIC OUTCOME
Strategic Outcome: The problems of offenders in the federal correctional system are identified and resolved in a timely fashion
The OCI's strategic outcome is consistent with the organization's legislative mandate as defined in section 167 of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act. It states that its "function is to conduct investigations into the problems of offenders related to decisions, recommendations, acts or omissions of the Commissioner or any person under the control and management of, or performing services for or on behalf of, the Commissioner that affect offenders either individually or as a group." Ombudsman offices have been established throughout Canada and the world because of an increasing understanding of the need to protect individual rights and enhance the accountability of public institutions. In this regard, Ombudsman organizations have come to be viewed as useful and effective instruments to help citizens secure fair treatment from their governments. In addressing offender complaints and assessing systemic issues, the OCI makes recommendations that assist in the development and maintenance of an answerable federal correctional system that is fair, humane and effective. This is the benefit for Canadians.
In the reporting period, OCI did not completely meet pre-established performance targets. As stated throughout this report, several factors that were significantly outside the control of the organization contributed to this situation. In addition, the OCI was faced with achieving a balance between addressing individual complaints and dealing with systemic issues – specifically, deaths in custody and mental health. See Performance Summary Table for details.
Strategic Outcome
The problems of offenders in the federal correctional system are identified and resolved in a timely fashion
| 2008-09 Financial Resources ($ thousands) |
2008-09 Human Resources (FTEs) |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planned Spending |
Total Authorities |
Actual Spending |
Planned | Actual | Difference |
| 3,793 | 4,229 | 3,532 | 30 | 24 | 6 |
This activity's success was impeded by human resources issues identified previously. Certain requirements of the organization's mandate were not met successfully or to the degree expected to a large extent as a result of the realignment of resources to conduct special reviews but also the turnover rate specifically in the summer of 2008.
Benefits for Canadians
All activities performed by the organization's investigative staff, including, institutional visits, responding to offender concerns, follow-up and analysis of systemic issues, Section 19 and use of force analysis and investigations as well as specialized investigations for Women and Aboriginal issues form the only program activity linked to the strategic outcome – Ombudsman or federal offenders. The achievement of this mandate benefits Canadians in contributing towards public safety and the promotion of human rights by providing independent and timely review of offender complaints.
Performance Analysis
The OCI's primary activity, Ombudsman for federal offenders, was conducted appropriately. Investigative staff carried out professional, timely (when possible) and responsive analysis of offender complaints and investigations throughout the reporting period. However, the number and frequency of institutional visits across the country was down in comparison to the previous year. As a result of a decreased presence within the institutions, OCI services were used less often than in previous years.
Lessons Learned
Access, timeliness and quality of investigations are core elements of the Ombudsman function. To ensure these elements were completely adhered to, the OCI embarked in a strategic planning exercise which will culminate with the update of its Investigative Policies and Procedures Manual. From this review, a more streamlined organizational structure that will allow a better allocation of resources to address priority areas and systemic concern will be developed. In addition, the CCRA will continue discussions with the Central Agencies with a view to securing permanent incremental funding for 2010.
