Correctional Facilities in British Columbia

Exchange of Services Agreements

Federal/provincial
The Province of British Columbia has an agreement with the Government of Canada that allows inmates serving federal sentences to transfer to a provincial correctional centre. Application for transfer is made by the federal inmate at the beginning of the sentence while the inmate is still in a provincial correctional centre, or after the inmate has arrived at a penitentiary. The agreement also allows the transfer of provincial inmates to a penitentiary, although these transfers are less frequently requested.

Canada/U.S.A.
The Government of Canada has a treaty with the United States (and other countries) that allows the transfer of inmates between the countries. Legislation by both governments assists the implementation of this treaty. A citizen of the United States who is sentenced to more than six months in prison in Canada can apply for transfer to serve the sentence in a prison in the United States. Similarly, Canadian citizens incarcerated in the United States may apply through the U.S. Department of Justice to serve their sentence in a Canadian prison.

Inter-provincial
British Columbia has established inter-provincial exchange of service agreements with Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Yukon and Northwest Territories, making it possible for an inmate to transfer to the province or territory of their residence. Arrangements are made with other provinces on a case-by-case basis.

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