COVID-19 update for correctional employees: July 15, 2022

This week, 14 CSC senior leaders shared their knowledge and experience as women working in public safety during the national Young Women in Public Safety (YWPS) Program. Historically, women have been outnumbered in the public safety and security profession, and have had limited exposure to women in positions of leadership. The YWPS program focuses on educating female high school students, across Canada, on the careers available to them in public safety. 

A special thank you to:

• Julie Senécal
• Sharon Malone
• Marie Botros
• Betricia Abou-Hamad
• Emma Costain
• Annabelle Matte
• Kelly Hartle
• Janine Mazerolle
• Zoe Fulton
• Sylvie Gagnon
• Lillian Kordic
• Alessandria Page
• Brigitte Bouchard, and
• Catherine Villeneuve

for inspiring today’s youth to join us in the field of public safety.

I am proud of all employees who are leading our organization in exciting and innovative ways. Thank you to all staff who foster an inclusive and welcoming environment to new recruits, and for making CSC a great place to work. 

Victim Complaints: 2020-2021 Annual Report

At CSC, we are committed to providing a fair and prompt formal complaint process to give a voice to victims who believe their rights have been infringed under the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights (CVBR).

The Victim Complaints: 2020-2021 Annual Report ensures:

• responsibility
• accountability, and
• transparency

in how we support victims of crime. Every complaint received from a victim leads us to reflect on the quality of our work and identify areas where we can improve. In 2020–2021, CSC provided services to over 8,600 victims and 38,660 notifications were made to communicate offender-related events to registered victims. During the same period, CSC received nine formal admissible complaints, of which five identified instances where CSC did not fully uphold victims’ rights under the CVBR. In these instances, we implemented changes and took corrective measures as we strive to ensure that victims are treated with:

• compassion
• fairness, and
• respect

The small number of founded complaints speaks to the strength of the program and commitment of staff across operations. 

I would like to thank everyone for their role in upholding victims’ rights and for working hard every day to assist victims of crime. A particular thanks to our Regional Victim Services Units who respond to victims’:

• questions
• concerns, and
• informal complaints

on a daily basis. For more information, I encourage you to read the:

• Victim Complaints: 2020-2021 Annual Report

Circle of Eagles Lodge Society anniversary

The 52nd anniversary gala of the Circle of Eagles Lodge Society (COELS) was held at the end of May. Many CSC staff attended to show support and continue to strengthen our relationship with this community-based residential facility (CBRF) in Vancouver. During the evening, two individuals, who went through the correctional system, shared their stories of how they benefited greatly from the culture and support they received from COELS. This CBRF is just one of our many integral partners that provides essential support, outreach and interventions to our Indigenous population, and assists with their safe transition from our institutions to the community. 

World Day for International Justice and Nelson Mandela International Day

Every year, the World Day for International Justice is observed all around the world on July 17, and aims to recognize international criminal justice and promote victims rights.   

Further, July 18 is Nelson Mandela International Day, which honours the legacy of the late South African President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela recognized globally for his efforts in championing:

• human rights
• social justice, and
• democracy

 This special day brings people together to:

• fight poverty
• promote
  • peace
  • reconciliation, and
  • cultural diversity

As CSC continues to be recognized as a leader in the international corrections community, I am very proud of our continued collaboration and information sharing with many countries across the world, which is essential to advancing corrections internationally. 

As Nelson Mandela said, “It is in your hands - to make a better world for all who live in it.” 

Hope you find time to:

• rest
• rejuvenate
• take care of yourself, and
• enjoy the warm weather

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.