R.J. Simpson: Corrections Act Implementation

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Mr. Speaker, the new Corrections Act came into force on October 29, 2021. The new Act modernizes the Northwest Territories’ corrections legislation to incorporate modern practices and approaches, shifting the focus of the legislation to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of people in the corrections system through a supportive environment.

The new Corrections Act strengthens our commitment to improving outcomes for the individuals we work with. To give people the best chance at success, the Department of Justice has been shifting our practices and the ways we work with people who come into our care. To implement this new Act, we have updated the associated regulations, policies and operating procedures for the Corrections Service and are ensuring staff are equipped with the necessary training to better support inmates, and to be leaders in the Corrections Service.

Mr. Speaker, the new Corrections Act recognizes the unique cultural background, historic legacy, and experiences of the people we serve in the NWT, and sets the framework for incorporating these elements into the rehabilitation process in the corrections system. Many individuals in correctional centres have experienced significant trauma and violence and are living with addiction and mental health needs. Our corrections officers are being trained to use trauma-informed practices that emphasize physical, psychological and emotional safety for everyone.

A key change to the Act provides for the establishment of Community Advisory Boards for each correctional facility, which will allow for greater community involvement in Corrections. The Community Advisory Boards will be able to review and make recommendations on the administration of the Act and will help to ensure the needs of inmates in the NWT are being appropriately met.

The new Corrections Act introduces procedural safeguards to ensure decisions are made in a fair and transparent manner and provides offenders with a complaints process to ensure their rights are respected. It provides for independent decision-making in disciplinary matters through the use of adjudicators and establishes clear processes for the handing of complaints and appeals.
Mr. Speaker, the new Corrections Act also establishes the Investigation and Standards Office. This office provides independent oversight of the NWT Corrections Service. It carries out investigations and inspections, and can review complaints from inmates or people on probation while they are under the care of the Corrections Service. In addition, the Investigations and Standards Office can make recommendations regarding policies, procedures, and correctional practices. 

We have renewed our focus on rehabilitation, and are committed to taking new and innovative approaches to address the root causes of violence and substance use.

The South Mackenzie Correctional Centre’s long awaited transformation to a Therapeutic Community model is now complete. The Therapeutic Community model combines work, counseling and around-the-clock behavioural modelling to address the root causes of addiction and gives residents a chance at a new beginning.  

Mr. Speaker, the model is based on the principle of individuals having a role in each other’s recovery. Similar programs have been shown to reduce both rates of re-contact with the justice system and rates of substance use in participants. This made-in-the-North Therapeutic Community model utilizes established best practices and incorporates Indigenous cultural teachings. This is an exciting initiative and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the lives of our residents.

We are moving in the right direction, but there is much work to be done as we adopt and implement new approaches. Mr. Speaker, I have to thank the dedicated staff of the NWT Corrections Service who will be doing the heavy lifting that is required to adopt and implement these new approaches. They provide a valuable service to our territory 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and I look forward to working with them and supporting them as we work together for the benefit of all our people.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.