Commissioner's update for correctional employees: January 5, 2026
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.
Happy New Year! I hope you all had the time to rest and spend quality time with your loved ones. I also want to extend my sincere thanks to those who worked over the holidays. Your dedication and service are essential and truly appreciated.
National Ribbon Skirt Day
January 4 marks National Ribbon Skirt Day, a time to honour and celebrate the beauty, strength, and resilience of Indigenous culture, traditions, and history. It is also a day to recognize the profound contributions Indigenous peoples have made, and continue to make, to our country.
For generations, ribbon skirts have held deep meaning. They are worn during ceremonies and special occasions, symbolizing identity, heritage, and the unique strength of Indigenous women. These skirts are worn with pride, including at marches across Canada in honour of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
This day was inspired by the experience of 11-year-old Isabella Kulak who was shamed for wearing her ribbon skirt to school in 2020. Her story sparked a powerful movement of solidarity and led to the creation of National Ribbon Skirt Day.
Isabella’s experience reminds us that the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples are not just part of Canada’s past, they persist today. National Ribbon Skirt Day is an opportunity to reflect on cultural safety, deepen our understanding, and reaffirm our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.
If you are an Indigenous employee and would like to speak with someone, the Hope for Wellness Help Line is available 24/7 with counsellors ready to listen and support.
2025 Bill Staubi 2SLGBTQIA+ Leadership Award
I am pleased to share that nominations are now open for the 2025 Bill Staubi 2SLGBTQIA+ Leadership Award. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities within our organization.
The nomination deadline is February 6, 2026, and the recipient will be announced on May 17, 2026, in recognition of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.
For information on the award criteria and nomination process, visit the Hub.
2026 Ethnocultural offender calendar
I am happy to announce that CSC’s 2026 Ethnocultural calendar, featuring offenders’ original art, poetry and a recipe, has been launched across the country. Keep an eye out at your location for paper copies. The intention of the calendar is to raise federal offenders’ voices and experiences focussed on inclusivity, celebrating uniqueness, and cultural diversity guided by this year’s slogan “Cultural Inspirations!”.
Please join CSC’s efforts to eliminate racism and discrimination by perusing and sharing this calendar with colleagues, offenders and volunteers.
I wish you all a healthy and successful 2026. I look forward to continuing our work together this year.
Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.