Sending a Pen Pack in Canada
A comprehensive guide to sending belongings to an inmate in a federal institution.
Why is a pen pack so important?
A pen pack is critical because it contains essential personal items that an incarcerated individual can have and use for the duration of their sentence.
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A “Pen Pack” is a collection of approved personal items (clothing, supplies, electronics, accessories) that can be sent to an individual in a federal institution in Canada.
This is the ONE CHANCE your loved one will have to receive items from the “outside” for the duration of their sentence.
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Individuals who are incarcerated in a federal institution in Canada who have a sentence of two years or longer are able to receive a pen pack.
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Only APPROVED individuals, third parties and support organizations can send a pen pack to an inmate in Canada.
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Once the individual is placed at their “mother institution,” aka the main institution they will be serving time at.
The full pen pack can only be sent AFTER the transfer to their main institution, not before.
There is no actual national cut off date, each institution has their own requirements/window for when pen packs are accepted.
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Some sources cite that a pen pack can only be received ONCE during the duration of a sentence, while others have said incarcerated individuals can receive one every 10 years.
Regardless of the frequency, consider the initial pen pack the most important as it helps maintain a sense of normalcy and comfort.
What can be included in a pen pack?
Get tips and helpful advice for sourcing items for a pen pack.
How do I package & send a pen pack?
There are a number of must-dos when shipping a pen pack to federal institutions in Canada.