“It was a hard-won victory to have Inmate Committees set into law under Commissioner’s Directive 083, which establishes “a means for inmates to provide input regarding institutional operations.” It took a tragic riot at Kingston Penitentiary 50 years ago and a Commission of Inquiry before Inmate Committees were established as a means of improving conditions within correctional institutions. Progress like this is the reason incarcerated people can vote in Canada, why we have a Correctional Investigator, and why we have Inmate Committees in every penitentiary across Canada. The formation of an Ex-Inmate Committee is a natural next step to ensure a seat at the table not only inside institutions but outside as well.” Written by Kevin Belanger Former Inmate Committee Chairman Joyceville Institution JAU & JISMU 2009-2011 & 2018-202.

See proposal here: Voices on the Outside