Commissioner's update for correctional employees: May 20, 2025

I want to take a moment to touch on a troubling news story by the Kingston Whig Standard regarding the tragic death of a correctional officer in Kingston. Reports suggest that workplace harassment may have played a role in this loss. While the matter is under investigation, it serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive work environment.

No one should ever feel isolated, unheard, or unsafe at work. I want to be absolutely clear: your voice matters. If you are experiencing or witnessing any form of harassment, bullying, or mistreatment, please speak up for yourself and your colleagues. This is something the organization wholeheartedly supports. One of our key priorities at CSC is to create and maintain a healthy, respectful and inclusive organization that our employees can trust. Culture begins with each and every one of us. We have a responsibility to maintain a work environment free of harassment and discrimination. We should all strive to lead with respect and empathy.

CSC is committed to ensuring that our workplace is one where everyone feels respected, valued, and protected. If you ever feel uncomfortable or need someone to talk to, I encourage you to reach out to a trusted colleague, management, to me directly, or to the appropriate support services available to you.

You can also use CSC’s information line as a 24/7 anonymous tip line for reporting issues in the workplace, such as bullying, harassment, and other forms of misconduct.

• Top 10 things you should know about CSC tip line (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)

Let’s continue to look out for one another, speak up when something isn’t right, and work together to build a culture where everyone can thrive.

As a reminder, if you need support or someone to listen, several other resources are available to you:

• 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline
• EAP referral agents (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)
• Employee Assistance Program / TELUS Health (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)
• PSPNET
• Office of the Ombuds for Workplace Well-being (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)

New Federal Cabinet

As you may have heard, Prime Minister Carney announced his new Cabinet last week.

The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree was appointed as Minister of Public Safety. I look forward to working with him to further our mandate.

The Honourable Ruby Sahota was also named as Secretary of State for Combatting Crime. On behalf of CSC, we wish them a warm welcome to the Public Safety Portfolio.

• Prime Minister announces new Ministry | Prime Minister of Canada

I want to express my thanks to our previous minister, the Honourable David J. McGuinty for his work with us and the Public Safety Portfolio.

Please note that the Public Affairs team has printed and sent photos of our new Minister to all institutions.

Moose Hide Campaign at Kent and Mountain Institutions

I want to highlight an initiative from Mountain Institution’s Assistant Warden of Operations, Roger Sehra. On May 15, Roger organized a walk to acknowledge and draw awareness to the Moose Hide Campaign, a grassroots Indigenous-led movement of men and boys to stand up against violence against women and children.

The 3 km walk was led by Elder Clarence George and Elder Phil L’Hirondelle, joined by approximately 50 staff from Kent and Mountain Institutions. Many of the participants were observing a 24-hour fast in support of this movement. I want to thank Roger for organizing this walk and all the staff who participated.

Bill Staubi 2SLGBTQIA+ Leadership Award recipient

On May 17, we observed the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. In recognition of this important day, I am pleased to announce that Russell Barton, Acting Manager, Assessment and Intervention, Saskatchewan Penitentiary, in the Prairie region, is the first recipient of the Bill Staubi 2SLGBTQIA+ Leadership Award.

This new award recognizes an employee who has made a lasting and substantial impact by actively supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community within CSC. Named after Bill, a strong advocate for those who asserted their rights, this award honours his legacy of supporting those who fought for justice for the offenders in our care and our staff.

Please join me in congratulating Russell for his continued leadership and long-term impact here at CSC.

Internal Audit Vision Award

I would like to congratulate the team that led the Audit of Organizational of Culture for receiving an award in the Internal Audit Vision Award category at a Town Hall organized by the Office of the Comptroller General.

National AccessAbility Week

With National AccessAbility Week around the corner, the Canada School of Public Service and the Office of Public Service Accessibility is hosting a virtual event on May 26 from 1:30 pm to 3 pm (ET) on the theme: Fostering Disability Allyship for a More Inclusive Public Service.

This event will bring together public servants with disabilities who will share their personal stories and insights and offer their perspectives for fostering an inclusive public service through an intersectional lens.

I encourage you to register to the event to learn more about what each of us can do to make the federal public service the most accessible public service.

• Fostering Disability Allyship for a More Inclusive Public Service

Open Government week

This week, we will be celebrating Open Government Week, a time to reflect on the importance of transparency, accountability, and accessibility in government. Open Government is key to how we build trust, improve decision-making, and foster accountability.

Help us make the CSC a more open organization and improve our learning opportunities.

I encourage you to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey:

• Open Government: Baseline Awareness Questionnaire

Thank you to everyone who worked over the Victoria Day long weekend for your hard work, commitment and dedication to keeping Canadians safe. For those who had it off, I hope you had a relaxing time.