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About Canada’s correctional system

Almost all offenders in Canadian penitentiaries will eventually return to the community. Research has shown that long-term public safety is best assured by the safe, gradual and structured return of offenders to the community with conditions and under supervision.

This overview of the correctional system in Canada was prepared so that citizens and community leaders can better understand how the federal correctional system works. It explains how -- through the safe and humane custody and supervision of offenders -- the system assists with their rehabilitation and safe reintegration into the community.

• Federal and provincial responsibilities
• Rehabilitation starts on day one
• Working and learning in prisons
• Substance abuse
• Giving back to the community
• Rehabilitation for sex offenders
• Upon release into the community

For more detailed facts and figures, refer to our series of publications called Corrections Fast Facts.