Commissioner's update for correctional employees: September 8, 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.
Behind the Badge: Darrell Scott
Due to its popularity, our national communications team has expanded on our podcast’s “Behind the Badge” series to include written articles in our “Let’s Talk” online magazine. The Behind the Badge series shows Canadians the hard and important work our front-line staff in uniform do to keep Canadians safe. To kick off the article series, Detector Dog Handler Darrell Scott shares the responsibilities and joys of his work. Detector Dog Handlers and their K-9 partners play a crucial role in detecting, preventing, and removing contraband from our institutions.
Darrell has worked with four different dogs throughout his time at CSC. His current dog, a black Labrador named Jaxx, is trained to detect narcotics, firearms and ammunition.
Read more about his story in Let’s Talk:
International Literacy Day
Today is International Literacy Day, a great time to reflect on how literacy impacts rehabilitation and reintegration. Many of our staff and community partners provide offenders with access to:
- educational programs
- institutional libraries
- digital resources and learning opportunities
- book clubs
These programs and services foster learning and personal growth. I want to thank all our teachers, librarians, social program officers, volunteers, and community partners. We couldn’t do it without you!
World Suicide Prevention Day
September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. This year, the theme "Changing the Narrative on Suicide", invites us to reframe our approach to psychological distress by promoting open dialogue, active listening, and kindness.
CSC is committed to creating a work environment where support overcomes stigma. We operate in a demanding environment, where stress, crisis situations, and exposure to violence can impact our psychological well-being. It is essential to recognize these risks and foster a climate where everyone feels safe.
To learn more about CSC's mental health commitments, I encourage you to read our newly released strategy:
- Correctional Service of Canada's Mental Health Strategy on Workplace Wellness and Employee Well-being 2025-2028 (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)
If you are looking for someone to talk to or need support, please remember that resources are available and accessible to you:
- Mental health resources and programs for employees (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)
- Employee Assistance Program - TELUS Health (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)
- Critical Incident Stress Management Program (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)
- EAP referral agents (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)
- 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline
- PSPNET
Prevention and intervention for suicide and self-injury is a continuous priority for CSC.
Official Languages Day
September 11 is Official Languages Day, an opportunity to promote our two official languages, English and French, and to celebrate our rich linguistic heritage.
At CSC, we are dedicated to providing programs and services in both official languages. We are also taking steps to support and integrate Official Language Minority Communities within our institutions. Everyday, we strive to uphold the rights of employees across Canada, especially those working in bilingual regions, to speak and work in the official language of their choice.
To celebrate this day, numerous events have been organized to highlight the crucial role languages play in everyday life.
Discover the tools and resources available to you and learn more on Official Languages Learning Path through the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS).
Thank you for the hard work you do everyday.
Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.