Reintegration Access for People on Remand

Summary#

This Manitoba bill changes the Correctional Services Act to give people who are in jail before trial or sentencing access to programs that help them return to their communities. The goal is to support reintegration and reduce repeat crime. It also requires the government to report each year on how the plan is working. The law takes effect as soon as it becomes law.

• Requires the minister to create and carry out a plan so unsentenced inmates can join reintegration programs.
• Focuses programming on helping people relocate to their community after release.
• Orders an annual public report with details on program content, how it fits different inmate needs, how success is measured, and how many people were offered and joined programs.
• Requires the minister to table the report in the Legislature soon after it is completed.
• Addresses a large remand population; in Manitoba, over 70% of people held on remand have not been convicted.

What it means for you#

• People awaiting trial or sentencing

  • You would be able to take part in programs while on remand, not only after sentencing.
  • Programs are meant to help with re-entry needs, like planning for housing, health care links, IDs, or life skills (exact offerings to be set by the minister’s plan).
  • You may be offered programs tailored to shorter jail stays and frequent court dates.

• Families

  • Your family member could get help earlier to prepare for release, which may ease the transition home.

• Correctional facilities and staff

  • Jails would need to offer program access to remand units and track who is offered and who participates.
  • Staff would follow an evaluation method to see if the programs are working.

• General public

  • The government must publish a clear annual report showing what programs exist, who they serve, how long they last, and participation numbers.
  • The aim is fewer repeat offenses by starting help sooner.

• Taxpayers

  • No direct fees. The government will report each year on activity and results so the public can see progress.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Starts help sooner so people leaving jail are better prepared, which can reduce repeat crime.
• Treats people on remand more fairly by giving them access to the same types of supports as sentenced inmates.
• Tailors programs to short stays, making time in custody more constructive.
• Increases transparency and accountability through detailed annual public reporting.
• Could improve public safety and reduce future costs if recidivism goes down.

Opponents' View#

• Expanding programs to a large remand population may require more staff, space, and coordination, raising costs.
• Short and unpredictable remand stays and frequent court dates may make it hard to deliver meaningful programs.
• Measuring real impact could be difficult, since many participants are in custody briefly or intermittently.
• Some may argue limited resources should focus on sentenced inmates or on services for victims instead.