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The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) and the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) responded today to the results and recommendations of a National Joint Board of Investigation (BOI) into the case of Myles Sanderson, who was a first-time federal offender on statutory release.
Public safety is a top priority for CSC and the PBC. Following the terrible mass tragedy that occurred in James Smith Cree Nation and in Weldon, Saskatchewan, in September 2022, a joint BOI was undertaken to fully examine the circumstances of this case. This included the case preparation leading to the statutory release and community supervision as well as the PBC decisions related to Myles Sanderson.
Prior to the release of this report, CSC Commissioner Kelly and PBC Chairperson Oades met with leaders of the James Smith Cree Nation, as well as individuals from Weldon, in Saskatchewan, to discuss the findings of the BOI and the actions being taken by both organizations.
The BOI concluded that there were no pre-indicators or precipitating events that were known to CSC and PBC staff, or that staff could have acted upon to prevent this incident. It also found that the overall case preparation leading up to the statutory release of the offender was both reasonable and appropriate, including consideration of the Indigenous social history of the offender in decision-making processes. The report also found that communications and the sharing of information among relevant individuals within CSC and with the offender's known social contacts was reasonable and appropriate.
The BOI also determined that the PBC's documented reasons for its decisions (written decisions) in this case reflected an analysis and assessment of the relevant aspects of the case. It found that the PBC Board members involved were qualified, trained and experienced decision-makers, and that the decisions were well-written, flowed logically and complied with the principles and criteria of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act and policy requirements.
The BOI made 14 recommendations to further enhance CSC and PBC processes:
- Four recommendations were addressed to CSC, including in relation to offender suicidality risk assessments in the community, assessments relating to domestic violence, and a Community Corrections Liaison Officer program.
- Ten recommendations were addressed to the PBC across a number of themes. Those included increasing the quorum for post-suspension reviews, reviewing scheduling guidelines, ensuring that the purpose and legislative criteria for reprimands are clearly reflected in decision-making policies, and continuing to provide Parole Board member training on domestic violence.
Both CSC and PBC have accepted the recommendations and work is underway to address them.
The CSC and PBC want to thank the BOI Co-chairs and members for their thorough and professional work throughout this investigation. We also want to reiterate our deepest condolences to the communities of James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon and hope everyone impacted by this tragedy can find peace and healing. We are committed to our public safety mandates and continue to strive to fulfill them, in accordance with the law and to the highest standards.
