Commissioner's update for correctional employees: September 3, 2024
This content is a message to Correctional Service Canada (CSC) staff from CSC's Commissioner.
Our Mission: The Correctional Service of Canada, as part of the criminal justice system and respecting the rule of law, contributes to public safety by actively encouraging and assisting offenders to become law-abiding citizens, while exercising reasonable, safe, secure and humane control.
Our core values: Respect, fairness, professionalism, inclusiveness, and accountability.
I hope you had a good long weekend. For those of you who were working, I want to thank you for your ongoing dedication and commitment.
Last week, Commissioner Kelly shared with you an update on the next phase of the government-wide prescribed presence in the workplace, which begins September 9. Today, I’d like to share with you the answers to some frequently asked questions about some of the more specific details around this Direction.
I hope this information helps as we move into this next phase. As always, we encourage you to have open conversations with your manager about this Direction so they can best support you.
James Smith Cree Nation Tragedy
Tomorrow will mark the two-years since the James Smith Cree Tragedy. To this day, my thoughts continue to be with the victims, their loved ones, the members of the James Smith Cree Nation and surrounding communities.
In March, CSC and the Parole Board of Canada convened a National Joint Board of Investigation (BOI), and a report was made public. Since then, CSC has taken action in response to the BOI’s recommendations. We also met with the James Smith Cree Nation to discuss the report and recommendations, and a path forward. We continue to collaborate and work with the relevant partners to finalize and implement our action plan.
Launch of GCWCC
This week marks the launch of the 2024 Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC). This year the theme is "The GCWCC connects us to our communities." Contributing to the campaign is one way to invest in our communities or to charities dear to us.
Faces of CSC
Ange Kadima is Chair of the Regional Ethnocultural Advisory Committee, and member of the National Ethnocultural Advisory Committee in the Prairie Region.
Ange’s efforts as an advisory member helps promote awareness and knowledge of racial and cultural considerations in correctional settings.
For several years, Ange has provided advice and contributed towards our efforts to enhance services and better meet the needs of Black and other racialized individuals in our care and custody.
Read his story
Over the years, CSC employees have been very generous towards the campaign both through donations and by volunteering time. Last year, the GCWCC, through United Way and Centraide, helped nearly 6,900 charities to improve lives by building stronger communities and healthier people nationwide.
I encourage you to participate and learn more about the Campaign.
Register to the initial virtual opening ceremony that will be held on Thursday, September 5 at 11 a.m. (ET) for more information GC-wide campaign. In the coming weeks, we will share details on CSC activities and ways you can participate in this important initiative.
International Literacy Day
September 8 is International Literacy Day (ILD). This year, the theme is "Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace."
CSC offers educational programs to help offenders improve their literacy, including Ethnocultural book clubs and support from community organizations such as 'Book Clubs for Inmates'.
Through these programs, we open doors to:
- Better employment opportunities
- Bridging cultural divides for a more inclusive environment
- Success in society
As we celebrate this day, I want to thank our CSC staff, our teachers, librarians, social program officers, and volunteers who empower inmates through literacy. The success of literacy programs would not be possible without their dedication and passion.
New “Prisons Inside/Out” Episode: Community corrections
The eighth episode of our podcast, “Prisons Inside / Out,” is now available. Listen to the full episode at the link below:
Parole Officers work tirelessly to maintain public and victim safety. In this episode, we talk to Dalila, one of our many dedicated Community Parole Officers. Hear her share how she does this vital work while also building trust with offenders.
Thank you to Dalila for sharing the incredible work Community Parole Officers do. I am proud of your efforts in this crucial role.
You can listen to all previous episodes of the “Prisons Inside / Out” podcast on our website here:
France Gratton
A/Commissioner
Page details
- Date modified: