Committee members believe that the department has started down the right track in developing relevant adult inmate programming. It is unfortunate, over the last decade, that the current physical condition of Northwest Territories correctional centres and inmate overcrowding has resulted in dedicated program delivery space having to be utilised for inmate bed space.

Committee members cannot accept the diminishment of the educational component, as part of a priority setting exercise, in the development of programming for inmates in the Northwest Territories correctional system. Inmate programming that focuses on behaviour modification is important, but committee members believe that a holistic approach must be taken.

Committee members believe that in order to have lasting success in lowering recidivism rates it is important to treat the full spectrum of inmate problems. Anger management and cognitive skills development programs are important treatments but do not deal with all of the underlying conditions that lead to the commission of crime in the Northwest Territories.

Chronic unemployment in the small communities coupled with a low literacy rate that severely limits resident mobility, creates a scenario that lends itself to despair. When we release an inmate back into his or her home community we are releasing them back into the same cycle that caused them to offend in the first place. In the minds of committee members, it is very important to offer offenders as many options and tools as possible, in order to give the offender a chance to make positive life choices.

Members of the committee are becoming more aware of the terrible toll that illiteracy causes in the Northwest Territories. Offenders who cannot find gainful employment upon release, because of poor literacy skills, are more likely to follow the same path and return as inmates of the Northwest Territories correctional service. If an inmate cannot function in the outside world the cycle of offending will repeat itself.

To take advantage of adult basic education programs that are offered by the college in some of our communities, a minimum literacy level is required. If the offender being released has acquired those basic literacy skills in a correctional facility they have another positive life choice they can make when released.

Members of the committee appreciated being supplied with further information on inmate programming. However, committee members still believe that an emphasis has to be placed on educational programming that targets basic literacy skills for offenders. There is some question in committee members' minds as to whether the level of educational programming available in territorial correctional facilities meets Corrections Canada requirements. If these standards are not met, the chances of federal offenders doing their time in our facilities are reduced. Members would appreciate the department investigating this concern.

Finally, the committee is pleased that the department has developed special programming for those inmates severely affected by FAS. It is apparent from discussions with corrections officials that this programming has minimised conflict between FAS inmates and other inmates and staff. This has reduced stress for all concerned within the institution.

Recommendation 1

The Standing Committee on Social Programs recommends that the Minister responsible for Justice instruct the department to place a greater emphasis on literacy in developing inmate programming.