Commissioner's update for correctional employees: June 16, 2025
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.
Today marks the beginning of National Public Service Week.
Throughout the week, government departments take time to recognize the meaningful role public servants play in our country and in the lives of Canadians. I wanted to express my deep thanks for each and every one of you – your work makes a real difference in keeping our institutions, communities, and Canadians safe.
It is the perfect time to share with you a new way we will be promoting and celebrating you and your work: The Service, for Canada video and webpage is now available.
There are so many of you from across the country represented in the campaign, sharing with Canadians your pride in what you do and why you do it. We are so grateful to all the employees who have spoken about their work and given Canadians a glimpse into the challenges and the rewards of a career in corrections.
Thank you for all that you do in service to our country from coast to coast to coast.
Please watch the video, view the webpage and share within your network!
National Indigenous Peoples Day
Every year, on June 21, Canadians across the country celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is an opportunity to honour and learn about the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. With continued learning and understanding, we can foster a stronger relationship with Indigenous Peoples and communities.
CSC is proud to celebrate Indigenous cultures, and we are committed to participating in Canada's road to reconciliation.
Meeting with Elder Dan
Last week, I had a chance to meet with Elder Dan, who presented me with an eagle feather. As Elder Dan indicated, in Indigenous culture, eagle feathers hold great spiritual significance as they are seen as a connection to the Creator. It was a real honour to receive the feather, and I will treasure it always.
In turn, I presented Elder Dan with my challenge coin and a bottle of maple syrup produced by CORCAN.
Elder Dan has been a welcome presence at NHQ but soon he will be gradually transitioning away from his regular presence at headquarters. I will forever be grateful for all the work Elder Dan has done with CSC over the years as a spiritual guide to many of us, but also in assisting Indigenous offenders to connect with their heritage and find a path to healing and positive change.
Once again, Miigwech Elder Dan!
William St Pierre Hughes Correctional Manager Award
I am pleased to announce the recipients of the William St Pierre Hughes Correctional Manager Award for 2024–2025:
This award recognizes Correctional Managers in each region who strive for excellence, inspire others, encourage innovation, and empower their staff to do their job well.
I want to congratulate you all for your exemplary contributions.
Take your dog to work day
Friday, June 20 is Take Your Dog to Work Day. For our Detector Dog Handlers, it is just another day at the office. The Detector Dog Teams are an essential part of our security efforts, helping to detect and deter the presence of drugs and contraband.
The CSC Communications Team recently highlighted this important work with a video of Jeff, a Detector Dog Handler and Institutional Search Specialist at Drumheller Institution. I encourage you to watch the video to learn more about how they contribute to a safer environment for everyone. We’ve also featured the great work of our detector dog handlers on our podcast:
Whether you are working alongside a Detector Dog Team or simply celebrating your own furry friend today, let us take a moment to recognize the unique contributions dogs make to our lives and our work.
Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.