Commissioner's update for correctional employees: June 9, 2023

For several weeks, we have watched with concern as wildfires encroached on communities in Western Canada and the Atlantic Region. Hundreds of fires are still burning across the country with new fires reported this week in Quebec and Ontario. Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes. Smog warnings and air quality statements have been issued by Environment Canada in:

• Ontario
• Quebec, and
• Atlantic

Some of you may be personally affected by the poor air quality.

I know that this is a difficult time for many of our CSC colleagues and their families living in affected areas. I want you to know that my thoughts are with the families impacted. 

Security classification and transfers

You may have seen the media coverage this week about the security classification and transfer of a high profile offender. As an additional check and balance, I have asked for an additional review of this case. You can read more in our statement.

• Statement

Thank you for your hard work and ensuring that recommendations and decisions are based on the rule of law and policies, victim considerations, and put public safety at the forefront. 

I recognize that this situation may be difficult for some of you. I wish to remind you that the Employee Assistance Program is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• EAP referral agents (Internal resource only)
• Employee Assistance Program (Internal resource only)

Canadian Environment Week

June 4 to 10 is Canadian Environment Week. Our staff in the Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development division is hard at work developing our next sustainable development strategy for 2023–2027. The strategy is aligned with the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy to ensure that CSC meets the goals and targets outlined by the federal government. 

For years, CSC has been taking concrete steps to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. I encourage everyone to do their part to contribute to positive environmental change.

To learn more about further CSC action, or to read the climate fact sheets for each institution, check out the Hub.

• CSC and climate change

National Public Service Week

Next week, June 11 to 17, is National Public Service Week. This is an opportunity to celebrate the great work you do every day. 

Your contributions and efforts are essential, and I can’t tell you how proud I am of our organization and the impact we have on the safety and security of offenders in our care and our communities. 

I encourage you to step away for a moment to celebrate your accomplishments with your colleagues. Many activities are on the menu in your region and workplaces for the week. I sincerely thank you for the work you do, both for CSC and for Canadians. 

William St Pierre Hughes Correctional Manager Award

The William St Pierre Hughes Correctional Manager Award is a formal award established to recognize correctional managers who:

• strive for excellence
• inspire others
• encourage innovation, and
• empower their staff to do their job well

The award is presented annually to one selected recipient from each region. 

I am pleased to announce the recipients for 2022–2023: 

• Chris Allain, Atlantic Institution, Atlantic Region
• Karim Fakhour, Federal Training Centre, Quebec Region
• Gudrun Shaver, Collins Bay Institution, Ontario Region
• Kristin Hay, Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge, Prairie Region
• Anne Jolin, Fraser Valley Institution for Women, Pacific Region

Congratulations to all of you for your exemplary contributions!

Introducing mugshots

There was an interesting article in Let’s Talk Express about the history of penitentiary photo identification, what we call mugshots. 

I enjoy reading articles like this that give us a peek into the past. It really demonstrates how far we have come and how we have improved our processes over the years. The overall mission hasn’t changed, though. We continue to contribute to public safety by encouraging and assisting offenders to become law-abiding citizens.

I encourage you to read more about:

• Introducing mugshots: The history of penitentiary photo identification

GAC visit to Collins Bay Institution and Henry Traill Community Correctional Centre

On May 29, CSC hosted a visit by new foreign service officer recruits from Global Affairs Canada. The group visited Collins Bay Institution and the Henry Traill Community Correctional Centre to become familiar with the Canadian federal correctional environment prior to being posted abroad as diplomats. 

CSC welcomed the opportunity to provide this insight and help to build a broader knowledge of Canadian corrections with its partners from Global Affairs. Thank you to those who helped facilitate this visit.