News release

Province, Government of Canada Sign Agreement for Electronic Monitoring Technology

Justice

Nova Scotia's electronic monitoring systems are going to be used in a pilot program for federal offenders, the two governments announced today, Aug. 11.

Len Goucher, Minister of Immigration, on behalf of Cecil Clarke, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, and Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety made the announcement.

Mr. Day announced in Toronto in the morning that the federal government is launching a program to electronically monitor federal offenders. He joined Mr. Goucher for a joint announcement in Halifax in the afternoon.

"In 2006, Nova Scotia became the first province in the country to use GPS technology to monitor offenders," said Mr. Goucher. "We are pleased to share the knowledge and expertise we have gained over the past two years with the government of Canada."

"This initiative will better protect communities and provide an additional tool for the Correctional Service of Canada and police to prevent crime," said Mr. Day. "Government is determined to ensure that those offenders who are released by the National Parole Board into the community are more effectively monitored.

"We have listened to police and victims groups who have been requesting such a tool for years. Compelling offenders to abide by the conditions of their release is a key aspect of reform of Canada's prison system."

Nova Scotia will provide support and advice based on experience with the technology. While the Correctional Service of Canada will use Nova Scotia's electronic monitoring systems, it will be responsible for monitoring offenders during the pilot project.

The one-year pilot, which will begin in September, will include monitoring up to 30 offenders in the Ontario region. Based on the results, options to extend the program across Canada will be examined.

Offenders will wear an ankle bracelet with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver that will report its position to a monitoring network. Alerts will be issued whenever an offender violates conditions such as curfews, residency or location restrictions. Appropriate action will be taken, including calling police, as required.

Electronic monitoring will:

  • Quickly detect violations of certain types of release conditions;
  • Compel offenders to abide by the terms of their release; and
  • Increase safety for parole officers conducting late night checks of offenders under imposed curfews.

"I am very pleased with the government's announcement," said Steve Sullivan, Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime. "Enhanced supervision through electronic monitoring will provide victims and the public greater protection."

The initiative complements the Tackling Violent Crime Act, which came into effect this year. The legislation provides for better monitoring of offenders who have reached the end of their sentences, and have been released into the community, but still require police supervision.