lawyer, a social worker, and J.D. Hobden. The
attorney general made these appointments to
develop policy and interpret the new
experiment to the public.

In contrast to this development, the rules and
regulations for the gaols were amended in 1936,
which expanded the range of punishments. The
following punishments were added:

(c) shackled to cell-gate during
working-hours: (d) flogging with the
leather paddle or strap upon receipt of a
certificate from the Prison Surgeon that
the prisoner is physically fit to undergo
corporal punishment: (f) confinement in

cell without bed or lights.

It became increasingly evident that the system
for dealing with offenders, which had evolved
since Confederation, was not reforming them.
Meanwhile, new knowledge about the treatment
of inmates was becoming popular in some
jurisdictions. In 1936, a Royal Commission on
the Penal System of Canada was appointed and
chaired by Justice J.R. Omer Archambault.

Published in 1938, the report of the
Archambault Commission had a major impact
on the direction of federal and provincial
corrections in Canada. Many of its
recommendations, however, wete not
implemented for more than a decade. This was
partially due to the intervention of the Second
World War.

The commission believed that discipline had to
be sternly enforced and authority respected to
properly manage gaols. Discipline was defined
as “a system of training, with the object of
inculcating obedience to rules and respect for

authority, and its intended effect is orderly
conduct.”

It was important to distinguish discipline from
punishment: “Punishment ... is the treatment
given to those who infringe the rules.” The
commissioners believed that too many rules
and regulations caused demoralization and
concealment, because it was impossible for
offenders to avoid some breach of the rules.

Treatment of female offenders within the B.C,
correctional system received more recognition
with the creation of the Elizabeth Pry Society
of British Columbia in 1939, At an annual
meeting in New Westminster of the Provincial
Council of Women, a Women’s Auxiliary was
formed to work with the John Howard Society
in connection with the women’s section of
Oakalla Prison, One year later, this group
became the first Elizabeth Pry Society in
Canada.

The purpose of this society was to:

(a) Reclaim as many as possible of the girls and
women who ate committed to prison;

(b) Be of as much assistance as possible to the
matrons and staff of the Women’s Division
of Oakalla Gaol.

The society also developed vocational and other
programs for women.

Programs were developed that reflected a
loosening of control and gave inmates more
responsibility.” This was evident through the
appointment in October 1939 of the first
follow-up officer, A.W. Cowley. Working
independently of the institution, with the
assistance of the Vancouver Rotary Club,

25 The loosening of control over inmate conduct was not reflected in the gaol rules and regulations.

Era of Punishment (1871-1949)

47