The definite/indeterminate sentence was
focused on the idea that rehabilitation within an
institutional setting was a primary objective in
correctional work. This type of sentence
allowed programs to develop that could assess
an offender based on behavioural changes or
other criteria devised within the institutional
setting. Recommendations would be made to
the releasing authority (B.C. Parole Board) for
consideration within the indeterminate portion
of the sentence.

Without this type of sentence, other means
were needed to address the rehabilitation ideal.
One obvious way to do this was to remove

rehabilitation from the institutional realm, and
develop strategies to relocate it within the
community. Much of the new programming
resulted from attempts to smooth the transition
from rehabilitative programming in institutions
to the community.

Although the general philosophy of
rehabilitation did not change, there were
arguments about the best setting. Some changes
developed independently of the Court of
Appeal’s decision to declare the

definite /indeterminate sentence inoperative.
Without a doubt, the decision escalated the
requirement to rethink correctional philosophy.

Federal-Provincial Ministerial Conference—1973

Correctional practice in British Columbia was
affected by external influences such as the
December 1973 Federal-Provincial Ministerial
Conference on Corrections in Ottawa. It was
the first conference of ministers responsible for
corrections in more than 15 years. This
conference was called for several reasons:

1. Ouimet Report recommended reforms to
correctional law and jurisdiction in Canada,

2. Newly formed Law Reform Commission of
Canada was producing working papers on
sentences and dispositions.

3. Federal Solicitor General’s ministry was
considering criminal law amendments
providing for alternative dispositions.

4, Provinces were expressing concerns about
programs, especially in juvenile corrections
and bail reform.

This conference made it clear that British
Columbia was not the only jurisdiction in
Canada experiencing change in correctional
administration. Several agreements were
reached promoting inter-provincial
co-operation in developing new programs and
reviewing existing legislation. At issue was
whether amendments were necessary to
support new initiatives (such as the amendment
to the Criminal Code repealing the
definite/indeterminate sentence).

The conference began a series of
federal-provincial meetings on justice and
corrections that continues to the present day."*

14 This was the era of “co-operative federalism,” nurtured and managed by the Liberal government of Prime
Minister Pierre Trudeau. Co-ordination at the national level in all areas of government service was accomplished
through the Federal-Provincial Conference. During this era, the Canadian Intergovernmental Conference
Secretariat was established in Ottawa to manage this process.

Era of Reintegration (1970-1979)

123