Parallel Workshops
Indigenous and Black individuals remain disproportionately represented in Canada’s criminal justice system—highlighting the need for culturally responsive approaches across the correctional continuum. This session examines how parole decision-making can better reflect these realities and contribute to more responsive and inclusive outcomes.
Drawing on the work of the Parole Board of Canada (PBC), participants will explore concrete efforts to integrate cultural responsiveness into parole processes. For over 30 years, the PBC has conducted culturally responsive hearings for Indigenous offenders, an approach expanded two years ago to include Black offenders. These include the participation of Elders and Cultural Advisors in hearings to provide relevant cultural context, as well as Community-Assisted Hearings for Indigenous offenders, grounded in restorative justice principles and community engagement.
The session will offer practical insights into how systemic and background factors are considered, and how policy, training, and tools are evolving to support this work. It will also highlight key challenges—such as ensuring consistency and balancing risk assessment with culturally informed perspectives. This session invites participants to reflect on how parole systems can meaningfully respond to the needs of diverse populations while supporting fair, informed, and high-quality decision-making.
Joanne Blanchard was appointed as the Chairperson of the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) in June 2024.
In the Spring of 2024, Ms. Blanchard performed the administrative functions of the Regional Vice-Chairperson for the PBC's Quebec Region and was officially designated in that role in May 2024. She has been a PBC Board member since October 2022.
Ms. Blanchard began her career as an Independent Board Member and Adjudicator for the Correctional Services of Canada, where she conducted disciplinary court hearings. Her decision-making and adjudicating skills were further honed during her tenure as a Board Member of the Employment Insurance Board of Referees and the Social Security Tribunal.
In 2016, Ms. Blanchard joined the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) as a Board Member, where she presided over hearings for asylum seekers. Her leadership skills and dedication to efficient, fair processes were recognized with several key roles, including as Assistant Deputy Chairperson of a national Task Force. Notably, she developed change management strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, enhancing productivity and consistency in decision-making.
Joanne Blanchard brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to justice. Her career spans over two decades, marked by significant contributions to the fields of public safety as well as immigration and refugee protection.
Throughout her career, Ms. Blanchard has been recognized for her leadership and innovation and received various awards highlighting her leadership and innovation.
Ms. Blanchard holds a Bachelor of Laws from Université de Moncton and a Bachelor of Psychology from McGill University.
Shannon Stewart was designated Vice-Chairperson of the Ontario Region in 2025 and currently interim Executive Vice-Chairperson (EVC) at the Parole Board of Canada (PBC), providing senior leadership in support of the Board’s mandate and decision-making functions.
Shannon Stewart brings over 25 years of experience in the federal public safety portfolio, beginning her career as a Parole Officer. She was appointed as a Board Member of the PBC in 2018 and has since served in both the Ontario Region and the Appeal Division, contributing to consistent and high-quality decision-making.
Prior to joining the PBC, Shannon Stewart held a senior role at the Office of the Correctional Investigator, where she led national systemic investigations, engaged with key stakeholders, and represented the organization at national forums. She has also contributed to academia as a part-time professor at the University of Ottawa.
Throughout her tenure at the PBC, Shannon Stewart has played a key role in strengthening decision-making capacity, including leading the development of training sessions for continuous and national training programs, and mentoring Board members.
Shannon Stewart holds a PhD in Criminology, with research focused on mental health and parole decision-making, women offenders, and federally sentenced individuals who self-harm. With her combined academic expertise and extensive experience, she brings a strong research-based and practical perspective to her work.
