Commissioner's update for offenders and their families: March 31, 2023

Across the country, many of you take part in Correctional Service Canada's (CSC) Employment and Employability Program. You are learning new skills and accessing services that will help you find a job when you are released. This is an important part of your successful reintegration. Preparing you for this includes on-the-job and vocational training so that you can gain both technical and transferable skills. Thank you to all of you who are participating in employment programs.

We have seen many successes with this program. This includes participants building and delivering 20 homes for Indigenous communities since April 1, 2022. Another 18 are completed and ready for delivery. Given housing shortages in many parts of the country, this helps to meet the needs of various communities. Congratulations to the CORCAN staff and offenders in the Prairie Region who have delivered on important residential projects for Indigenous communities.

I encourage you to take advantage of the various social programs and leisure activities in your institution. These are available to help you:

• learn new skills
• develop knowledge, and
• expand your creativity  

It is important to take part in productive and creative activities while you are incarcerated and to set goals for yourself. Arts and crafts can be a great way to focus your time. For some, they may be a meaningful way to connect with and express your culture. For example, I have seen some amazing jewelry and art created by Indigenous inmates as part of the Pathways program. Keep up the good work!

Finally, I will continue to extend the annual transfer limit from your savings account to your current account to $850 (this was previously $750).