Corrections Disaggregated Data and Analysis Strategy: Representation of Indigenous and Racialized Groups in Canada's Correctional Systems

Consultative Engagement Objectives

The Corrections Disaggregated Data and Analysis Strategy: Representation of Indigenous and Racialized Groups in Canada's Correctional Systems is being developed in response to growing interest in and demands for information and disaggregated data to better understand the experiences of Indigenous and racialized identity groups in terms of their interactions and involvement with correctional systems and the criminal justice system.

The consultative engagement helped us gain insight on how Statistics Canada can evaluate, enhance, and develop new indicators to better capture the over-representation of Indigenous peoples and racialized identity groups in the correctional system. To support the agency's objectives to provide accessible and quality data, Statistics Canada will develop a five-year, comprehensive plan to address survey development, respondent and partner relations, methods of data analysis, indicator development and data quality evaluations

Consultative Engagement Methodology

Partners and community organizations across the country were invited to participate in an engagement document and virtual group discussions in both official languages. Participants were asked to share their feedback and concerns in regards to the current and proposed measures of over-representation, methodology, and analytical products.

How Participants Got Involved

These consultative engagement initiatives are now closed.

Individuals who wished to obtain more information or to take part in group discussions on Corrections Disaggregated Data and Analysis Strategy: Representation of Indigenous and Racialized Groups in Canada's Correctional Systems were asked to contact Statistics Canada by sending an email to the following address: statcan.ccssengagement-mobilisationescc.statcan@statcan.gc.ca.

Please note that Statistics Canada selected participants for each group discussion to ensure that feedback was sought from a representative sample of the target population for the study. Not all applicants were asked to participate.

Statistics Canada is committed to respecting the privacy of participants. All personal information created, held or collected by the agency is protected by the Privacy Act. For more information on Statistics Canada's privacy policies, please consult the Privacy notice.

Results

Seven key recommendations were derived from the results of this consultative engagement initiative:

1. Statistics Canada should develop population-based indicators and re-contact indicators using disaggregated data to measure representation of sub-populations in correctional systems;
2. Statistics Canada should disaggregate its correctional services data as much as possible;
3. Relationships between socio-economic and mental health issues and over-representation should be analyzed further;
4. Statistics Canada should engage in data quality evaluations of the disaggregated data information collected;
5. Statistics Canada should include appropriate context as part of the data analysis process, and work closely with affected populations when publishing disaggregated data;
6. Statistics Canada should review options for dissemination to enhance data accessibility and use; and,
7. Statistics Canada should regularly review its definitions, terminology and categorizations in order to ensure that the language used is appropriate and culturally-sensitive.

Statistics Canada thanks participants for their participation in this consultative engagement initiative. Their insights will help guide the agency in providing better disaggregated data on people's diverse experiences in the criminal justice system.

You can view the entire report in an HTML or PDF here:

Report and Draft Recommendations: Engagement on Corrections Disaggregated Data and Analysis Strategy