Archambault Report
The Archambault Report is a significant historical document that emerged from a comprehensive evaluation of the Canadian penitentiary system, conducted over two years starting in 1936. It was prompted by the harsh conditions prevalent in Canadian prisons, which were characterized by overcrowding, inadequate facilities, and unqualified staff. The report involved extensive investigations, including visits to various penal institutions both in Canada and abroad, and sought input from a diverse array of stakeholders such as inmates, judges, and correctional officers.
The primary goal of the report was to reduce recidivism and promote the rehabilitation of inmates. It recommended major reforms, including the centralization of the prison system under federal oversight, the establishment of a prison commission, and a formal training program for correctional staff. Additionally, it advocated for educational opportunities for inmates and a classification system to better manage prisoners. The impact of the Archambault Report led to significant changes in the prison system, including the construction of new facilities for young offenders and improved access to educational, recreational, and spiritual resources for prisoners. Overall, the report marked a pivotal moment in addressing the treatment of individuals within the Canadian correctional system.
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Archambault Report
Identification Comprehensive investigation on the Canadian penal system
Also known as Report of the Canada Royal Commission to Investigate the Penal System of Canada
Date April 4, 1938
Place Ottawa, Canada
As a result of this report, Canadian prisons changed from a retributive to a rehabilitative system. Therefore, the report played a critical role in facilitating widespread reform and tremendous changes within the penal system.
Historically, the prison system in Canada was based on the Auburn model practiced in the United States. In this model, prisoners were forced to be silent even when congregated for work. The physical conditions in the Canadian prisons were harsh and brutal. The cells were small and overcrowded. The lighting was poor, and there were no proper toilet facilities. The prison guards were not qualified and had little formal training. As punishment, prisoners were often whipped, shackled in darkened cells, and placed in solitary confinement. The deplorable situation in the prisons resulted in tension and several riots that influenced the Royal Commission to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the Canadian penitentiary system.
The investigations occurred over a two-year period beginning in 1936 and included visits to approximately 116 penal institutions, including several in Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The studies were based on information obtained from private and public meetings, letters, and formal documentation. A wide cross section of persons, including inmates, judges, correctional officers, and community members, were interviewed.
The overall goal of the report was to reduce recidivism and to facilitate rehabilitation of the prisoners. Other important recommendations were to centralize the prison system under the federal government and establish a prison commission. The report also urged a reorganization of the staff and the establishment of a formal training school for officers. Furthermore, it suggested the establishment of an educational program for the inmates and the employment of qualified tutors.
A recommendation for better management and enhanced rehabilitation of women, the young, and the reformable offender was the creation of a classification system to divide prisoners into specific groups. Also, the report highlighted the importance of physical and mental examinations, which would allow mental and/or physically ill prisoners to be sent to mental or medical institutions for treatment. It also recommended maximum security for hardened offenders in order to reduce the likelihood of those prisoners influencing others.
Impact
The Archambault Report resulted in major reforms. New penitentiaries were built with separate facilities for young offenders, and formal training programs for penitentiary officers were established. Prisoners were allowed to have educational programs taught by trained individuals, better access to chaplains, and involvement in recreational activity.
Bibliography
Goff, Colin. Corrections in Canada. Cincinnati, Ohio: Anderson, 1999.
Gosselin, Luc. Prisons in Canada. Montreal: Black Rose Books, 1982.
McMahon, Maeve W. The Persistent Prison? Rethinking Decarceration and Penal Reform. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1992.
Topping, Coral W. The Royal Commission on the Penal System of Canada. Ottawa: J. O. Patenaude, 1938.