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Section II – Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

Strategic Outcome

The National Parole Board has a single Strategic Outcome:

Conditional release and pardon decisions and decision processes that safeguard Canadian communities.

Program Activity by Strategic Outcome

NPB program activities and priorities are designed to support continuous progress in achieving the strategic outcome. To support this outcome, NPB has four program activities:

  • Conditional release decisions;
  • Conditional release openness and accountability;
  • Pardon decisions / clemency recommendations; and
  • Internal services.

The following section describes the NPB's program activities and identifies the expected results, performance indicators and targets for each of them. This section also explains how the NPB plans on meeting the expected results and presents the financial and non-financial resources that will be dedicated to each activity.

Program Activity 1.1: Conditional Release Decisions

Strategic Outcome chart

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ thousands)
2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending
 346  33,887  353  36,238  356  38,005


Program Activity Expected Results Performance Indicators Targets
Quality conditional release decisions that contribute to public safety Multi-year information on the number and % releases on parole that result in a new offence or a new violent offence Zero (0) re-offending by parolees prior to warrant expiry
Multi-year information on the number and % of offenders who complete their sentence on full parole and do not re-offend and return to a federal penitentiary Zero re-offending after warrant expiry by offenders who reach the end of their sentence on full parole


Program Activity Description and Benefits to Canadians: Conditional release is based on the principle that gradual release to the community, in conjunction with effective programs and treatment, quality assessments of the risk of re-offending and effective community supervision enhances community safety. This program activity supports public safety by providing quality decisions on the timing and conditions of release of offenders into the community. Through this program activity, NPB staff provide timely, accurate information for Board member decision-making, and develop effective training and policies that are essential tools for quality risk assessment and decision-making. Effectiveness is assessed through monitoring of the outcomes of release on parole. This program activity is directly supported by the following priorities identified for 2010-11:

  • Effectively fulfilling legislative responsibilities related to quality conditional release decision-making;
  • Pursuing strategic excellence in NPB governance;
  • Investing in our people; and,
  • Strengthening stakeholder and community partnerships.

Program Activity 1.2: Conditional Release Openness and Accountability

Strategic Outcome chart

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ thousands)
2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending
 65  6,071  66  5,938  66  6,022


Program Activity Expected Results Performance Indicators Targets
Conditional release processes that ensure that the NPB operates in an open and accountable manner, consistent with the CCRA Average time required to respond to: requests for information and assistance from victims, requests to observe hearings; and requests for access to NPB's decision registry Response to requests for information and assistance within 15 working days, on average
Levels of satisfaction of victims, observers, and those who seek access to the decision registry with quality and timeliness of information and assistance provided by NPB 90% rate of client satisfaction


Program Activity Description and Benefits to Canadians: This program activity ensures that the NPB operates in an open and accountable manner, consistent with the provisions of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act. This program activity consists of the provision of information for victims of crime; assistance for observers at hearings and those who seek access to the Board's registry of decisions; encouragement of citizen engagement; as well as performance monitoring and reporting on the release process. Results for this program activity are assessed by monitoring the timeliness of information shared and by selected surveys of those who receive information and assistance from the NPB. Work in this area recognizes that the NPB operates in a difficult environment in which timely sharing of accurate information is fundamental for effective partnership and public trust.

This program activity is supported directly by NPB's priorities for:

  • Effectively fulfilling legislative responsibilities for open and accountable conditional release processes;
  • Strengthening stakeholder and community partnerships;
  • Improving information services for victims;
  • Pursuing strategic excellence in NPB governance; and,
  • Investing in our people.

Program Activity 1.3: Pardon Decisions / Clemency Recommendations

Strategic Outcome chart

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ thousands)
2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending
 24  1,449  24  1,453  24  1,453


Program Activity Expected Results Performance Indicators Targets
Quality pardon decisions that support rehabilitation and community reintegration The numbers and rates of revocation/cessation of pardons 96% of all pardons awarded remain in force
The average time required to process pardon applications for cases involving summary convictions and convictions for indictable offences Adherence to established service standards for processing pardon applications


Program Activity Description and Benefits to Canadians: A pardon is designed to recognize the successful reintegration of an individual into society. It is a formal attempt to remove the stigma of a criminal record for people found guilty of a federal offence and who, after satisfying their sentence and a specified waiting period, have shown themselves to be responsible citizens. Through this program activity, the NPB screens applications for eligibility and completeness, collects information for decision-making and develops policy to guide decision processes. The results of this program are assessed through ongoing review of the average time required to process pardon applications, and the rates of revocation of pardons granted. This program activity is supported by the following priorities:

  • Effectively fulfilling legislative responsibilities related to the processing of pardon applications;
  • Pursuing strategic excellence in NPB governance; and,
  • Investing in our people.

This program activity is designed to support rehabilitation and community reintegration by providing quality pardon decisions and clemency recommendations. The benefits of the program include:

  • ensuring careful consideration is given to issues of public safety;
  • providing an opportunity for pardon recipients to contribute to their communities as law-abiding citizens;
  • those who receive a pardon have increased opportunities for employment and housing; and,
  • most individuals (over 96%) who receive a pardon remain crime free, demonstrating the value of a pardon as a long-term measure for community reintegration.

Program Activity 1.4: Internal Services

Strategic Outcome chart

Human Resources (FTEs) and Planned Spending ($ thousands)
2010-11 2011-12 2012-13
FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending FTEs Planned Spending
 37  5,000  39  5,220  39  5,305


Program Activity Expected Results Performance Indicators Targets
Efficient and effective internal services that support quality program delivery Performance indicators in this area are under consideration Performance targets in this area are under consideration


Program Activity Description and Benefits to Canadians: This program activity includes the provision of financial, human resource, administration, security and modern management services. This program activity is supported by the following priorities:

  • Pursuing strategic excellence in NPB governance; and,
  • Investing in our people.