Commissioner’s Update Stakeholders – September 6, 2024
I hope everybody had a great summer and took some time for themselves and to prioritize wellness. As we head into fall, I am pleased to connect with everyone and provide key updates since my last message in July 2024.
Temporary solution to house high-risk immigration detainees
I wanted to let you know that, following legislative changes by Parliament this summer, we will be working (News Release) with our colleagues at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to lend them space in one of our institutions to house a small number of adult male high-risk immigration detainees (approximately 25).
This is a temporary measure to allow them to make changes to their infrastructure in order to house these detainees on an ongoing basis. The CBSA was previously using space in provincial correctional facilities and these agreements are coming to an end.
The Regional Reception Centre (RRC) located in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, Quebec, has been identified as a temporary location for this. The space at RRC allows for a full separation between detainees and federal inmates. Also, the CBSA will be responsible for the management of their detainees within the designated area, including health services. Please note that this will not affect other CSC sites across Canada.
As a next step in this process, we will work to develop an agreement with the CBSA to outline all operational requirements. Nothing can proceed before that, and we will work with our staff and stakeholders to make sure we get it right.
While this potential arrangement may be new for us at CSC, the CBSA has worked for many years with provincial partners to have individuals who are assessed as high-risk, held in provincial correctional facilities. As such, these provincial partners and CBSA have a wealth of knowledge and experience that can help us make this the best arrangement. I will keep you informed of our progress as we work on this.
If you have any questions, please contact Kirstan Gagnon, Assistant Commissioner, Public Affairs, Culture and Engagement: Kirstan.Gagnon@CSC-SCC.GC.CA
CSC’s new Culture team and Communications and Engagement Sector Changes at NHQ
The Communications and Engagement Sector has taken on new groups in recent years, including Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Intergovernmental Relations, and now CSC’s new Culture team! To better reflect its areas of responsibility, the sector’s name has been changed to Public Affairs, Culture and Engagement (PACE). This not only reflects the expanded mandate, “PACE” is also a testament to the tremendously fast pace at which the staff work in communicating, managing issues, and engaging Canadians. Kirstan Gagnon remains the Assistant Commissioner for PACE, and we welcomed Vaughn Charlton as the new Director General of the Culture team.
Update on Port-Cartier Institution
As you know, the forest fire situation around the City of Port-Cartier, Quebec, led to the evacuation of Port-Cartier Institution where inmates were relocated to other federal institutions. I want to thank everyone that contributed to this unprecedented circumstance. Transfers back to Port-Cartier have commenced and we look forward to having everyone back safely at the site.
CSC Supports New Affordable Housing in Pacific Region
Construction has started on a new nine-storey affordable housing and transition complex in Vancouver, which will have 300 units. CSC is providing funding in addition to the support from B.C. Housing, the City of Vancouver, and the Salvation Army. I invite you to learn more about how this facility will help vulnerable residents:
CSC also joined B.C. Housing and the John Howard Society of Victoria to announce a new 28-bed transitional housing unit in Victoria that will provide beds and program space to federal offenders being supervised in the community. CSC was able to support this important John Howard Society initiative with funds from the National Infrastructure Contribution Program.
Inquest into the death of Terry Baker
The recommendations of Coroner’s Inquest into the death of Terry Baker were published on August 20th. Ms. Baker, age 30, died on July 6, 2016, while in our custody at Grand Valley Institution for Women. An inquest into this circumstance is mandatory in Ontario, under the Coroners Act. The purpose of an inquest is to gain an understanding of how and why a person has died and to understand ways we can work to prevent similar deaths. The jury made 67 recommendations that we will be working to address. Mental health disorders are serious issues that are on the rise in Canada and our institutions. I recognize that working closely with our volunteers and community partners is necessary to achieve an effective continuum of mental health care to support our offenders.
31st Annual Report from the Clerk to the Prime Minister on the Public Service
The Clerk of the Privy Council submitted their 31st report to the Prime Minister on the state of the federal public service. This annual report provides a snapshot of highlights from across the public service over the past year, covers key themes currently facing the public service and outlines priorities for the next year.
Some of the key themes in the Clerk’s report this year are fostering culture change and advancing anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion. We’ve been working hard at advancing both within our organization over the past year.
Inmate Accountability Working Group
I am pleased to share that we continue to advance work within the Inmate Accountability Working Group (IAWG). This multi-disciplinary group is led by the Security Operations Division and comprised of employees from the Preventive Security and Intelligence Branch, the Reintegration Operation Division, regional members as well as union partners from UCCO-SACC-CSN and USJE. It is exploring ways of enhancing inmates’ sense of responsibility and their awareness of behavioural expectations as they move through the correctional system. The IAWG is reviewing and analyzing existing policies and results achieved, as well as looking at internationally recognized best practices to inform innovative change and actions for CSC. I am looking forward to hearing about the progress and ways that key stakeholders will be engaged in our efforts.
Creating Choices and Women Offenders represented at the Criminal Justice Forum for Asia and the Pacific
I am proud that CSC’s Creating Choices is recognized as a model of excellence around the world! Brigitte Bouchard, Director General, Women Offenders Sector was in Tokyo, Japan, to represent CSC at the Criminal Justice Forum for Asia and the Pacific. She presented to the Working Group on Offender Treatment and Rehabilitation and on the Principles of the Creating Choices Report: Empowerment, Meaningful and Responsible Choices, Respect and Dignity, Supportive Environment, and Shared Responsibility.
New Prairie Regional Chair for the Citizen Advisory Committees
I am pleased to announce that Garry Didrikson has been elected as the new Regional Chair for CSC’s Citizen Advisory Committees (CAC) in the Prairie Region. This role includes being a member of the CAC’s National Executive Committee, which is co-led and managed by the Public Affairs, Culture and Engagement Sector. Garry has a wealth of knowledge and experience in working with various organizations in the community. He is committed to building connections that will contribute greatly to local, regional and national committee goals.
Learn more about our collaboration and the important work of the Citizen Advisory Committees here:
New National Ceremonial Guard Commander
I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Alan MacDonald as CSC's third National Ceremonial Guard Commander. Alan, a correctional officer (CX2) at Collins Bay Institution, was highly recommended for the position. He has been a member of the Guard of Honour since 2004. I would like to thank Trent Kane for his leadership and dedication to CSC’s ceremonial unit over the past four years. Please join me in wishing congratulations to Alan.
Policy Updates
Commissioner’s Directive 737 – Inmate-operated Businesses was modified to better reflect the requirements associated with inmate-operated businesses.
Interim Policy for Guidelines 800-1 – Hunger Strike: Managing an Inmate’s Health is now in effect. The policy was amended to ensure valid do not resuscitate (DNR) orders or advanced directives are followed by health care professionals in the event of a hunger strike, in alignment with standards of practice for health care professionals and legal requirements.
The full list of our policies, including those updated and archived, can be found here: Commissioner's Directives.
Commemorative Dates & Events
With each message, comes a number of celebrations and recognition dates and events. Since my last message, there has been International Justice Day, Nelson Mandela Day, Canadian Multiculturalism Day, Emancipation Day, International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples, Pride Season, National Peacekeepers’ Day, National Acadian Day, World Hepatitis Day, and many more. These events and dates contribute to upholding values, protect rights and advance equality and fairness.
You can also read my weekly messages to employees and inmates for more on CSC’s participation and acknowledgement of key events and dates: Commissioner Anne Kelly.
New “Prisons Inside/Out” Episode: Preventing and Detecting Contraband
Preventing and reducing the number of drugs, cellphones, and other unauthorized items in correctional institutions is a priority for the Correctional Service of Canada. This episode features Detector Dog Handler, Todd, and Security Intelligence Officer, Christian, to learn more about the work CSC does to help keep our prisons safe.
Parole Officers work tirelessly every day to keep Canadians and their communities safe, always prioritizing public and victim safety. In the latest episode of Prisons Inside / Out, meet Dalila, one of CSC’s dedicated Parole Officers.
You can listen to all previous episodes of the “Prisons Inside / Out” podcast on our website here:
Thank you all for your continued efforts and commitment towards CSC’s mandate to contribute to public safety.
Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.
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