Virtual Hearing

Observers

Normally, a person must be 18 years of age to attend a hearing as an observer because of the nature of the subject matter discussed at hearings.

Usually, anyone may apply to the National Parole Board (NPB) to observe a hearing. Before approving the application, NPB will check with Correctional Service Canada (CSC) on a security clearance so that the person can enter the penitentiary. At times, classes of students come to observe NPB hearings and at times new CSC or NPB staff or new Board members observe.

The NPB notifies the offender and the warden of the penitentiary that there will be observers at the hearing. The NPB considers their comments before approving the observers.

To observe a hearing, victims, victim supports, media, members of the public, et cetera, must complete the required form. The NPB must approve their request, and CSC must authorize their entrance into the institution.

Observers should be aware that they may be asked to leave the hearing if the Board members conclude that

1. they may disrupt the hearing or the ability of the Board to consider the matter before it;
2. their presence is likely to adversely affect those who have provided information to the Board, including victims, members of a victim's family or members of the offender's family;
3. their presence is likely to adversely affect an appropriate balance between that person's or the public's interest in knowing and the public's interest in the effective reintegration of the offender into society; or
4. the security and good order of the institution in which the hearing is to be held is likely to be adversely affected by the person's presence.