Commissioner's update for correctional employees: November 10, 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.
Last week, the Government of Canada presented the 2025 Budget. You have received communications from Michael Sabia, Clerk of the Privy Council, and myself following this announcement. Additional information from the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat will be available to you in the coming weeks.
As a reminder, work to implement the measures proposed in the Budget will only begin if it has the support of Parliament. We will share additional CSC-specific information with you as soon as we can.
Link to Fallen Officer Monument Video and Photo Album
Last week, I promised you the link to a video and a photo album from the ceremony for the dedication of the new Fallen Officer Monument in Kingston, Ontario, that took place on October 29.
It was such a moving event and our National Communications Team truly captured that in the video below.
As well, here is the online photo album you can download and share the photos if you wish:
Faces of CSC: James Raoul
This month, we are recognizing and thanking some of our employees who also served in the Canadian Armed Forces. You’ll see their stories on our lock screens and also on social media. This week, we meet A/Parole Officer James Raoul. After serving 11 years with the Canadian Armed Forces, James began his career with CSC in 2016. James has a remarkable story to share, and I encourage you to read it. James, thank you for your service.
Read his story:
Stanley Blyth Memorial Ceremony
Recently, the Saskatchewan Penitentiary Guard of Honour, Chaplain and Warden took part in a small memorial ceremony in Melfort, Saskatchewan to remember the life of Guard Stanley Blyth. Stanley Blyth was a World War I veteran who joined the service as a prison guard after the war. He tragically died 100 years ago after an accidental fall from one of the range landings at the Penitentiary. During the ceremony, the Warden spoke about Mr. Blyth’s military service, his service at the Penitentiary and the importance of remembering those who came before us. In honor of his service, a cross of remembrance was placed at his grave.
Thank you to the Saskatchewan Penitentiary Guard of Honour, Chaplain, Warden and all those who participated and helped organize the ceremony.
ceremony in 2024.
As we commemorate Remembrance Day tomorrow, let’s honour the memory of Prison Guard Stanley Blyth. I would also like to specifically acknowledge all of our team members who have not only served on our front line but have served in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Memorial Ceremony for Fallen Employees
On November 1, the Memorial Ceremony for Fallen Employees was held by Quebec Region, in Laval. The Regional Guard of Honour, along with members of honour guards from various partner organizations, guests, management and staff members, as well as the families of those who died in the line of duty, paid tribute to the employees of the Quebec region that have lost their lives in the performance of their duties.
Prisons Inside / Out: Corrections in women’s institutions
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the landmark Creating Choices report, which created the five principles that shaped and continue to shape our interventions with incarcerated women.
In the latest episode of Prisons Inside / Out, we hear from Denise, Assistant Warden at Nova Institution for Women, on some of the unique aspects of women’s corrections.
We also speak with Vanessa, an incarcerated woman at Nova Institution on the importance of women-specific interventions.
Listen to the episode to learn more about the important work staff at women’s institutions do everyday to change lives and protect Canadians:
I would like to thank you all for the commitment and dedication you show in your work every day.
Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.