Human dignity
Respect, compassion, fairness and protection of rights for people in custody.
Canadian Prisoners Advocates
Working toward a more humane and just correctional system
Our mission is to advocate for the rights and dignity of incarcerated individuals, support and strengthen family connections, and promote fair, humane and effective correctional policies that foster rehabilitation and successful reintegration.
Who we are
Building carefully from a clear purpose.
Canadian Prisoners Advocates is a Canadian nonprofit guided by a vision of fair treatment, stronger family connections and correctional systems that prioritize rehabilitation and reintegration.
Our developing work includes sharing information and perspectives, building future initiatives and advocating for responsible change. Respect, compassion and fairness for incarcerated people, together with recognition of the critical role families play, guide that work.
How we approach the work
Our vision
A Canada where every person in custody is treated with respect and fairness, families remain connected and supported, and correctional systems prioritize rehabilitation and reintegration over punishment, creating safer and more just communities.
Our four themes
Issues central to our mission
These four connected themes express what matters to CPA and guide the work we continue to develop.
Family connection
Protecting family bonds and recognizing their importance to well-being, rehabilitation and successful reintegration.
Rehabilitation
Promoting meaningful opportunities for incarcerated people to learn, grow and prepare for life beyond incarceration.
Reintegration
Supporting fair pathways back into the community and fewer barriers to rebuilding life with dignity and purpose.
Mission & values
The values we are building from
CPA’s adopted values provide a framework for how the organization develops, makes decisions and approaches advocacy.
They reflect the standards of respect, fairness, accountability and openness that CPA seeks to uphold.
Human dignity
All people, regardless of incarceration, deserve to be treated with respect, compassion and fairness.
Justice & rights
We seek to defend legal and human rights and support correctional practices aligned with Canadian law and international human rights standards.
Family-centred support
We recognize the critical role families can play in rehabilitation and reintegration.
Rehabilitation & reintegration
We advocate for opportunities that help incarcerated people learn, grow and return to society with dignity and purpose.
Integrity & transparency
We aim to operate with honesty, accountability and openness as CPA develops.
Collaboration
We believe lasting change is strengthened through collective action with families, communities, researchers and policymakers.
Student placements
Gain experience while helping build meaningful work.
CPA welcomes students interested in completing a placement with an emerging Canadian advocacy organization.
Placement opportunities may include the areas below, but we are also interested in hearing from students whose skills could contribute in another way.
Follow CPA on Instagram @canadianprisonersadvocatesProgram & program development
Support the research, planning and development of future CPA initiatives.
Communications & outreach
Help share information and strengthen CPA’s public and community presence.
Fundraising & grant research
Help identify opportunities and support CPA’s early organizational development.
Another skill area
Tell us what you could bring to the organization.