Filing grievances can have an impact on the justice system as a whole and help other imprisoned women. Grievances allow organizations representing women like you to collect statistics that reflect the realities of women’s experiences inside. These statistics help organizations fight for improved conditions for prisoners. The statistics may also serve as a tool for documenting institutional accountability290 and create penalties for correctional interference with the integrity of your sentence.291
What is a request?
A request is simply asking for something that you want or need. A request is appropriate in situations where the problem is less serious. For instance, let’s say you are told that you cannot yet take a required program because of the criminogenic factors outlined in your Correctional Plan (CP). You could make a request to access the program as soon as possible in order to permit you to fulfill the requirements of your CP. You could also request a timeline in terms of when you are expected to take the program, whether there are any other expectations of you in order to access the program(s), et cetera. A request is generally seen as less threatening by staff, while allowing you to document your needs and concerns.
Why bother trying to make a request first?
Consider what it is you want. If you can get what you want without making a grievance, then ask for it. This is important because filing unnecessary grievances may, in some cases, create ill-will on the part of staff.
Sometimes making a request is a better strategy than filing a formal complaint or grievance, one reason being that this is seen as the least threatening option. The Commissioner’s Directive (CD)states that staff should make every effort to discuss and resolve problems before they are pursued through the formal complaint and grievance process.292
Another reason it may be wise to begin with a request is that this creates a record of your attempt to resolve a problem at the lowest level possible. The CD mentioned above also states that there should be active participation by the staff and prisoner in the resolution of the complaints and grievances.293
Return to note 290. For example, in 1997, the Working Group on Human Rights examined the ability of the Correctional Service of Canada to monitor its compliance with Canada’s domestic and international human rights obligations, and developed a strategic model for evaluating human rights performance.
Return to note 291. This was recommended by Justice Arbour in Commission of Inquiry into Certain Events at the Prison for Women in Kingston.
Return to note 292. Correctional Service Canada, Commissioner’s Directive no. 081, “Offender Complaints and Grievances” (2002-03-04), dated March 4, 2002 at s.6(b). [CD 081]
Return to note 293. CD 081, s.6(c).