Parole Board of Canada
Parole Board of Canada (PBC; French: Commission des libérations conditionnelles du Canada, CLCC) is the independent administrative tribunal that makes most conditional-release decisions for people serving federal sentences (two years or more) and, for provinces and territories without their own parole boards, certain parole decisions for those serving shorter sentences. The PBC also decides record suspensions (formerly pardons) under the Criminal Records Act and makes recommendations on clemency applications (Royal Prerogative of Mercy) to the Minister of Public Safety.
| Type | Independent administrative tribunal (Public Safety portfolio) |
|---|---|
| Core decisions | Day & full parole • Conditions on statutory release • Suspension/termination/revocation • Detention orders • Record suspensions • Clemency (advice) |
| Legal basis | Corrections and Conditional Release Act • Criminal Records Act • Royal Prerogative of Mercy (Letters Patent) |
| Partners | Correctional Service of Canada (case management/supervision) • Provincial parole boards (e.g., Quebec, Ontario) • Police & courts • Victim services |
| Transparency | Public Decision Registry • Reasons for decision provided to parties • Annual reporting to Parliament |
| Official site | pbc-clcc.gc.ca |
Mandate and legal framework
The PBC’s primary consideration in all decisions is the protection of society. Under the CCRA, the Board determines if, and under what conditions, an offender can be safely and lawfully released. The Board also administers record suspensions under the Criminal Records Act and provides advice to the Minister on exceptional clemency applications.
Organization and independence
The Board is arm’s-length from operations and distinct from the Correctional Service of Canada. It has a national office and regional offices aligned with CSC’s five regions (Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Prairie, Pacific). Board members are Governor-in-Council appointees who sit in panels to hear cases; quorum and panel composition depend on case type and law/policy.
Conditional release decisions
- Day parole permits participation in community-based activities (e.g., work, programming) from a community facility under conditions.
- Full parole authorizes residence in the community under supervision and conditions until warrant expiry, subject to suspension or revocation if risk becomes unacceptable.
- Statutory release occurs by law for most offenders at two-thirds of the sentence; the PBC may impose/add conditions, and in high-risk cases may order detention past statutory release when legal criteria are met.
- Post-release decisions include suspensions, terminations, and revocations based on new information or non-compliance.
Panels consider structured risk assessments, case management information from CSC, victim statements, offender submissions, psychological assessments (where available), Indigenous cultural considerations, and release plans.
Hearings, victims, and Indigenous considerations
Hearings may be in-person or by videoconference. Offenders may be assisted by an assistant or counsel; observers may attend subject to security and privacy rules. Victims can register, submit statements (including video/audio), and request special conditions relevant to safety. Indigenous people may request Elder- or community-assisted hearings that incorporate culture and community input consistent with the CCRA.
Record suspensions (pardons)
A record suspension, if granted, sequesters a person’s criminal record in federal databases, signaling rehabilitation and improving access to employment, education, and volunteering. Eligibility depends on the offence(s) and the waiting period after sentence completion, with good-conduct expectations. Suspensions can be refused, revoked, or ceased for new offending or false information.
Clemency (Royal Prerogative of Mercy)
In rare and exceptional circumstances where no other remedy exists, the Minister of Public Safety may recommend clemency to the Governor General. The PBC reviews applications and provides assessments to the Minister under established criteria.
Appeals and judicial review
PBC decisions may be appealed to the Board’s Appeal Division on specified grounds (e.g., error of law or fact, breach of procedural fairness, or new information). Decisions are also subject to judicial review in the Federal Courts on administrative-law grounds.
Transparency and reporting
The PBC maintains a public Decision Registry and publishes annual reports, statistics, and policy manuals. Outreach and public education help explain conditional release, record suspensions, and victim participation.
See also
- Correctional Service of Canada • Public Safety Canada • Royal Canadian Mounted Police • Criminal Code
- Canadian Victims Bill of Rights • Administrative law in Canada • Public safety in Canada
External links (official)
- Parole Board of Canada — Home: https://www.pbc-clcc.gc.ca/
- PBC Decision Registry: https://www.canada.ca/en/parole-board/programs/decision-registry.html
- Record Suspensions (Pardons): https://www.canada.ca/en/parole-board/services/record-suspensions.html
- Victims — Participation & information: https://www.canada.ca/en/parole-board/services/victims.html