Commissioner's update for correctional employees: September 16, 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.
Last week was the start of the updated common hybrid work model for much of the federal public service. For those of you for which this represented a change, I appreciate that people are trying their best to adapt to new routines. I wanted to express my gratitude for your efforts in implementing this.
GCWCC Launch
Last week, we launched the annual Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC) at an in-person event. It was great to see so many of you come out to show support for this important annual event. Every fall, the GCWCC offers a wonderful opportunity for employees to donate to a cause close to their heart. Your donations help raise money in support of the United Way, medical health and research organizations, and other registered Canadian charities.
Stay tuned for more about the campaign in the coming weeks. And thank you in advance for your generosity.
Official Languages
Celebrating the GCWCC launch with many CSC staff, campaign
lead Stéphane Blanchard and NHQ champion France Gratton.
On September 12, we celebrated Official Languages Day. At CSC, we encourage managers at all levels, working in regions designated as bilingual to create an environment conducive to the use of both languages. Employees are encouraged to speak and work in the official language of their choice.
As well, members of the public should be greeted in both official languages. This lets the individual know that services of equal quality are available in both official languages. Please use the official language of the majority in your province first, followed by that of the official language minority.
Did you know that official language minority communities are groups of Canadians whose first or preferred language is French or English and who live in a province where that language is in the minority? Official language minority communities strive for development priorities and support for their culture and communications. You can learn more about these communities and CSC’s positive measures here:
- Part VII of the Official Languages Act (Internal link)
Finally, I would like to thank the CSC Official Languages Champions for their role in fostering and promoting the use of both official languages in the workplace. I invite you to watch the video about the importance of linguistic duality by Johanne Charest, Regional Deputy Commissioner for the Atlantic Region and National Official Languages Champion.
Ed McIsaac Human Rights in Corrections Award
We are seeking nominations for the 2024 Ed McIsaac Human Rights in Corrections Award. The award was established by the Office of the Correctional Investigator in 2008 to commemorate the work and dedication of Mr. Ed McIsaac, who served as Executive Director of the Office of the Correctional Investigator for 18 years.
The award honours those who demonstrate a similar lifelong commitment to improving corrections and protecting the human rights of incarcerated persons in Canada.
Nominees should have:
- leadership in human rights and corrections throughout their career.
- significantly improved the treatment of offenders in Canada and consequently public safety.
- demonstrated leadership, creativity, cooperation, and hard work in advancing social justice in corrections.
- created effective partnerships with the public, the voluntary sector, local communities and/or governments to achieve their goals.
If you know someone who fits those criteria, please submit your nomination for the Ed McIsaac Human Rights in Corrections Award by Friday, September 20.
- For more information or to submit your nomination, please contact: jason.chartrand@oci-bec.gc.ca
Book Clubs for Inmates Sparks Interest Internationally
Delegates from Japan are expected to visit Grand Valley Institution for Women this week. Representatives from Toldam Seishin Women's University and the Ministry of Justice of Japan are interested in CSC’s activities and programs for women offenders.
Delegates are meeting with staff and representatives from Book Clubs for Inmates to learn about the book club they offer to the women, as well as their Children of Inmates Reading Program, (ChIRP), which provides a way for
incarcerated individuals to connect with their children by sharing a recording of them reading a book.
CSC is proud to collaborate with Book Clubs for Inmates on these wonderful initiatives that are led by volunteers across the country.
It is great to hear of the interest internationally and that the work of our staff, community supports, and offenders may help improve practices in other correctional systems.
Canada has a world-renowned correctional system, and this is due to our amazing staff! The innovative programs and successes we see in our daily operations is largely thanks to your genuine consideration for improving the lives of those in our care. Thank you sincerely for all you do to keep our communities and Canadians safe.
“Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.”
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