The information that can be communicated is restricted because of the Privacy Act. The information that can be shared is factual rather than things that you might really like to know such as, “How is the offender doing in prison?” “Is the offender doing something to improve his or her situation?” “What programs is he or she taking?” The kind of information received may not be entirely satisfactory to the victim’s family members.

You can obtain the following information:

• Personal Information

• The offender’s name;

• The offense; 

• When the sentence began;

• Length of the sentence;

• Parole eligibility dates;

• Activity While in Custody

• Location of the penitentiary where the offender is serving his or her sentence; 

• Date on which the offender receives any release – escorted or unescorted, work release, day parole or full parole, statutory release; 

• Advance notification of the date of the parole board hearing or review hearing; 

• Conditions attached to the release;

• When the Offender is Released

• Destination of the offender when released (the name of the city but not the specific address);

• If the offender is on travel status and the duration of the travel;

• Whether the offender is in custody or not;

• Whether the offender has appealed the decision of the Parole Board. The victim will be advised of the appeal as well as the outcome of the appeal.

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