Commissioner's update for offenders and their families: March 24, 2023

As you know, we have put in place an Anti-Racism Strategy and want to grow our network of organizations that can help us fulfill our mandate. That is why, this week, CSC issued a call out to:

• community groups
• experts, and
• organizations

who can work with us to better support:

• Black
• ethnocultural, and
• racialized

offenders. This will help us ensure that we have culturally relevant supports available to you in the institution and when you return to the community.

In addition, Public Safety Canada requested applications from organizations, under the Indigenous Community Corrections Initiative, to support alternatives to custody and undertake reintegration projects for Indigenous offenders.

If you are interested in making connections and build a support network with community organizations, please discuss this with a member of your Case Management Team. We also have a network of volunteers and Citizen Advisory Committee members that you can reach out to.

Please continue to pursue your education and vocational training goals. This is very important. Education develops critical thinking and teaches us how to use logic when making decisions and interacting with people. Completing secondary education courses such as:

• Adult Basic Education levels
• general education development
• vocational training programs, or
• employability skills training courses

can lead to your successful reintegration into society. Increasing your education and skills can help you get a job once you are released.

At this time, I will continue to waive the fees for:

• food
• accommodation, and
• telephone

These deductions will not come off your pay at this time.