There are two trends having major implications for Federal corrections in Canada. First is the growing movement toward noncustodial alternatives for nonviolent offenders while future prison populations are expected to be characterized by a greater proportion of violent offenders than at present. Second is the growing law and order movement resulting in longer sentences for violent offenders; gun control legislation; the call for return to the death penalty; increasing acceptance of a deterrent base for punishment; emphasis on incapacitation as a goal or purpose of prison; and reduces use and questioned value of parole. The combined effect of these two trends will have considerable impact on public attitudes, the Federal prison system, staff, and inmates. These directions will serve to reaffirm the public perception of inmates as dangerous, untreatable and incorrigible and could lead to further entrenchment of the law and order philosophy. The inmate population will be more homogeneous than at present, consisting principally of young, violent males. Current programs may have little meaning or applicability for these long-term inmates. Violence within institutions is likely to increase with more inmates seeking protection. The changing inmate profile and its impact will have implications for prison staff and greater emphasis may be placed on medical-psychiatric services and less on rehabilitation and reintegration components. Alternatives are needed to meet the potential requirements of a new inmate profile. Programs being considered include a new emphasis on an industrial model and conjugal visits.