Parole
Parole is the conditional release of a federal offender from custody before the end of their sentence, on conditions and under supervision by the Correctional Service of Canada. Parole is administered by the Parole Board of Canada under the Corrections and Conditional Release Act. It applies to federal sentences (two years or more); offenders serving provincial sentences (under two years) are released under different mechanisms administered provincially.
Mass Tsang's criminal lawyers do not handle parole hearings directly but advise on sentencing strategies that affect parole eligibility — including delayed parole motions and submissions about parole-relevant programming.
Types of parole
Federal parole has several forms: day parole — release to a halfway house or other supervised residence, with daily reporting; full parole — release to live in the community under supervision; and statutory release — automatic release at two-thirds of the sentence for most federal offenders not designated as dangerous offenders. There are also temporary absences and work releases — short-term measures available earlier in the sentence.
Eligibility dates
Day parole eligibility arises six months before full parole eligibility. Full parole eligibility is normally at one-third of the sentence, or seven years, whichever is less. Statutory release follows at two-thirds. For life sentences — including first-degree murder — parole eligibility is set at 25 years (first-degree) or 10–25 years (second-degree, judicially set within statutory bounds). Some offences carry mandatory increases in parole ineligibility under section 743.6.
The hearing
Parole hearings are conducted by panels of Parole Board members. The offender appears, often with counsel. Victims and victim representatives can attend and present statements. The Board considers: the gravity of the offence, the offender's institutional behaviour, programming completed, the risk of reoffence, and the plan for release. Decisions can grant, deny, or partially grant release with conditions.
Conditions and supervision
Parolees on day or full parole are subject to standard and special conditions — residence requirements, reporting to a parole officer, abstinence, no-contact terms, and any others tailored to the case. Breach of conditions can trigger suspension of parole and a return to custody pending a revocation hearing. Parole continues until the warrant expiry date — the end of the original sentence.
Provincial early release
Provincially sentenced offenders (under two years) earn remission at one day for every two served — effectively making them eligible for release after serving two-thirds, subject to good conduct. Provincial release is administered by the Ministry of the Solicitor General; the Parole Board of Canada handles only federal cases.
Related glossary terms
