Commissioner's update for offenders and their families: July 14, 2023

The Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion Directorate - established in 2022 - strives to be the focal point for the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) on anti-racism initiatives. Over the past year, consultations have been conducted in the Atlantic and Quebec regions with:

• Indigenous
• Black and other ethnocultural offenders, and 
• staff and community partners to identify issues and solutions

These consultations will continue at the beginning of next fall.

Recently, Collins Bay Institution celebrated the high school graduation of over 100 inmates. This was the first ceremony since COVID, so graduates from:

• 2020
• 2021
• 2022, and 
• 2023 

received their high school diplomas in person. The event was well attended, with many staff and peers supporting the achievement. It was a momentous day that highlighted the residents’ ability to achieve and embrace possibility. Congratulations on this important achievement!

Education is important. It increases your chances to successfully transition back into society. I encourage you to learn more about the education opportunities that are available to you.

On July 14, we celebrate Non-Binary People’s Day and take the opportunity to recognize the resilience and courage of non-binary individuals. The Commissioner’s Directive (CD) 100 – Gender Diverse Offenders defines the role and responsibilities of employees and decision-makers regarding the:

• custody
• care, and 
• supervision of gender diverse offenders

If you would like to learn more about the directive, you can request a copy from your social programs or correctional officer.

At CSC, we stand firm in our commitment to creating a:

• safe
• respectful, and 
• inclusive environment

that acknowledges and respects all identities. We are working to continue to create an inclusive correctional service and eliminate all forms of discrimination.