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Better supporting rehabilitation and reintegration through individualized assessments completed for every admission. As part of an evidence-based approach to incarceration, case management plans will be tailored to address the unique needs of inmates to guide their rehabilitation. Enhanced culturally-responsive programming will be implemented to meet the diverse and unique needs of Indigenous individuals and other over-represented groups to achieve successful reintegration.

Under the auspices of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association (CLA), a series of educational workshops (Jan-June 2017) organized by Shaunna Kelly, Hicks Adams LLP aims to demystify aboriginal justice issues to boost awareness and understanding of Gladue Court.

Community Justice Centres move justice out of the traditional courtroom and into a community setting to help connect individuals with holistic supports that address the root causes of crime. They are justice hubs that bring together services – for example justice, health, Indigenous, mental health and addictions, housing, and social services – to respond to the unique needs of the communities they serve.

The first three will be in Kenora, London and Toronto with Timmins and Sioux Lookout as other possibilities in the future.

Funding over three years:

• 2017/18: $5.6M
• 2019/20: $4.6M
• 2020/21: $3.7M

Ontario unveiled a new bail directive to reduce barriers faced by Indigenous and racialized communities at the bail stage, ensure low-risk and vulnerable individuals have access to the appropriate supports for safe releases, and speed up the bail process.

The Correctional Services and Reintegration Act, 2018 was passed today and will result in improved conditions, increased transparency, and will apply a consistent and evidence-based approach to rehabilitation and reintegration to better prepare those in custody for a successful and well-supported return to their communities. Specific to the Indigenous population:

• Ensuring incarcerated individuals have access to appropriate health care services, including treatment of disease or injury, health promotion, disease prevention, dental care, vision care, hearing care, mental health and addictions care, and traditional First Nation, Inuit, or Métis healing and medicines.