Features

Corrections and the political agenda in Canada: Toward an illuminated future or a walk in the darkness?

Seasoned correctional observer R. E. Bob Brown compares trends in the criminal justice policies of the current Government of Canada with those in several European countries, the U.S. and a some of its states. While a number of these other jurisdictions show a 10-year decline in prisoner numbers, prison populations in Canadian provincial/territorial jurisdictions continue to increase and in the federal system are at their highest level ever. Brown concludes that the direction being pursued in Canada has produced disastrous results elsewhere and is based on something other than community safety–related objectives. Positive results are readily attainable, but only if supported by political leaders willing to base policy choices on proven knowledge. Read more ...

Punishment doesn’t fix crime — or make us safe

The Smart Justice Network (SJN) has been formed by people from across the country who know from experience what reliable research shows conclusively: imprisoning more people is not the right way to achieve safety from most crime in Canada. It doesn’t help most victims. It’s damaging for most of the people we put in prison, as well as their families—especially the children. It makes things worse in many communities. It is not a smart way to invest money. Read more ...