While the protection of society was viewed by 57 percent of the participants as the primary purpose of the correctional centres, there was much less agreement with respect to the other purposes. About 27 percent of the total sample ranked deterrence as the second most important purpose and another 27 percent emphasized rehabilitation. Fifty-five percent of the total sample thought that most Albertans would agree with them with respect to their views on the purposes of correctional centres. However, the reasons given for this anticipated agreement varied across and within groups. Across all groups there was strong support for basic education, life skills and preapprenticeship courses in correctional centres. Even in times of financial restraint, basic education and life skills courses in correctional centres were considered 'very important' by more than 50 percent of those who were asked this question. Twenty-nine percent of all participants rated themselves as 'well-informed' about education programs, 37 percent had 'some information,' and the remainder said that they had 'no information' about programs in correctional centres. However, of those who felt that they were not 'well-informed' about programs, 73 percent said that they would like more information. (Author abstract)