Federal penitentiaries are for offenders serving a sentence of more than two years. A person found guilty of murder would be in a federal penitentiary. These maximum, medium and minimum security institutions are in locations all across Canada. The offender is placed in an institution that corresponds with his or her security classification and program needs. 

The regimented daily routine in the institution governs the offender’s day. There are times to eat, times to sleep, times to be in the cells for inmate count and times for activities, work and programs. Following the night inmate count at 11:00 p.m., the cells are locked up with the inmates inside on their own ranges (rows of cells in a particular area).

Mennonite Central Committee Canada. (2011). Getting through the maze: A guidebook for survivors of homicide.