14 Things to Know before going to Jail in Ontario: a Prisoner’s Guide.

by Ruth Roberts

Note: This article originally appeared in Robichaud's Criminal Defence Litigation.

When an accused is sentenced to custody they will be serving their sentence in either a Provincial or Federal institution. Sentences of two years less a day will be served in a Provincial facility. Sentences of two years or more will be served in a Federal penitentiary. Federal inmates are under the auspices of Corrections Services Canada.

 

 

This pamphlet is intended as a guideline only. For more detailed information, contact the institution where you will be starting your sentence.

Provincial Jails (for accused people awaiting bail, or offenders sentenced to two years, less one day).

  • Canteen Accounts (money in jail)
    Inmates in Provincial jails are permitted to have a canteen account. The amount in this account cannot exceed $120.00. You should check your balance in this account before having someone send in or drop off additional funds.
  • Visitors
    Inmates at Provincial jails are permitted to have visitors. Visitors are required to show two pieces of identification. Contact the institution for more information about visiting hours, and regulations.
  • Classification of offenders
    A social worker will meet with you after you have been sentenced, for classification to determine where you will serve your sentence.
  • Working in custody
    If you wish to work whilst you are serving your sentence, speak to your social worker or classification officer.
  • Phonecalls
    You will be able to call collect from the Institution. Ahead of sentencing, arrange to have a “trap line” installed for these calls. Remember that all communication with people inside and outside jail is monitored. This includes telephone calls. The ONLY exception to this is communication with your lawyer.
  • Orders and Restrictions
    At your sentencing, the Judge may order that you not communicate with certain people whilst you are in custody. This order remains in place until your sentence has been completed.

Federal Penitentiaries (for people sentenced to more than two year in custody).

  • Canteen Accounts (money in jail)
    Inmates in Federal penitentiaries are permitted to have a canteen account. The amount in this account cannot exceed $90.00. There is a separate account for hygiene products.
  • Visitors
    Visitors to the penitentiary are permitted to bring in $40.00 in change. This may be used in the vending machines. Visitors to the penitentiary are required to be pre-cleared. There is an on-line application on the Correction Services of Canada website.
  • Classification of offenders
    When you receive a Federal sentence, you will first be transported to a Provincial facility. At the Provincial institution you will be assessed by a Federal parole officer. You will then be transferred to Joyceville Assessment Unit, to determine where you will serve your sentence. You will remain in the Provincial facility for between 10 – 15 days before being transferred.
  • Working in custody
    If you want to work whilst serving your Federal sentence; speak with your case manager.
  • Communication with the outside
    All communication with people inside and outside the penitentiary is monitored. This includes telephone calls. The ONLY exception to this is communication with your lawyer.
  • Phonecalls
    You may make calls from a Federal institution. You will be required to provide the names of the people you will be contacting, and who will be visiting you.
  • Court Orders and Restrictions
    At your sentencing the Judge may order non-communication with names individuals. This remains in place until you have served your sentence.
  • Parole
    You are eligible to apply for Federal parole after serving one third of your sentence. You may apply for day parole six months before that. The likelihood of your receiving parole increases if you participate in programming.

Both Provincial and Federal institutions have staff who are available to answer questions, and assist inmates and their families. To make your sentence easier for you and your families, reach out for any services that are available. You should also request assistance for your transition after your custody is over.