Let's Talk
The Power of Art as Therapy
As a correctional educator at Stony Mountain Institution, Chantille Papko has seen first-hand the therapeutic effect that engaging in artistic activities can have on inmates
Faces of CSC: Dave St. Onge
Dave St. Onge was always interested in history. He began his career at the Penitentiary Museum as a student and has contributed significantly to its growth over the past 40 years.
Beekeeping 101
Are you comfortable putting your hand into a hive with 60,000 bees? Are you attentive enough to keep a hive healthy and have a good production of honey? These are questions inmates ask themselves before deciding to become beekeepers.
Faces of CSC: James Murphy
“A good understanding of what CACs are intended for is simple. It’s demystifying the nature of what corrections is to everyone concerned, whether it be staff, staff’s family, offenders, offenders’ family, and the public—regarding what is going on inside and outside the institutions.”
CORCAN participants rebuild historic fence
Indigenous offenders mended fences at a historic Parks Canada site and learned new skills to help keep history alive.
Meet CSC’s Champion of Multiculturalism
Michael K. Olotu, Director General of Rights, Redress and Resolution, has worn many hats at the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC).
Faces of CSC: Marilyn Sheldon
“Diversity in the workplace encourages me to become a better woman, more understanding, more educated, more empowered because others can teach me new/different ways of learning and doing.”
From a Commissioner’s Perspective: A Discussion with Commissioner Anne Kelly
In 2018, Anne Kelly became the ninth commissioner since CSC was established in 1979. She is the second woman commissioner. Let’s Talk Express sat down with Commissioner Kelly to talk about her career at the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC).
Faces of CSC: Stacie Bourdon
Stacie Bourdon is a Correctional Officer at the Edmonton Institution in Edmonton, Alberta. Read more about how Stacie is using animal therapy to provide fellow officers with proactive mental health support.
Development of the CSC badge: A history of pride
The CSC badge didn’t always look like this. In the late 1970s, then Commissioner Yeomans was on a mission to have a badge that was a reflection of the important work the CSC staff does. A committee was assembled to design a new CSC badge.
13 things you might not know about women working in corrections
Women have played a part in corrections since the first penitentiary opened in Kingston in 1835. Now, 52% of Correctional Service Canada (CSC) staff are women. They work in all aspects of the organization from front line workers to senior management. Let’s Talk looks back at our history and highlights 13 things you may not know about women in corrections.
Crime, punishment, and prison for women
Susan Turner (21), Hannah Downes (17), and Hannah Baglen (25) were each convicted of theft. They arrived at the new penitentiary in Kingston on September 3, 1835, becoming the first women incarcerated in Canada.
Faces of CSC: Ellen Connor
“You throw a stone and you might not see the ripple effect go all the way. But guess what? That ripple effect keeps going. And so that's really what I'm about: gender, equality, inclusivity, diversity. Those are all things that matter to me—to the core of me.”
Diderot Roc: Sharing the benefits of multiculturalism with offenders and colleagues
Diderot Roc knows that sharing food is a fun way to share cultures, traditions, and different points of view. He is the 2023 recipient of the Emerson Douyon Multiculturalism Award.
Faces of CSC: Alima Prime
“I always wanted to work within the criminal justice system. After I finished my degree, I faxed my resume over to Edmonton Institution, the maximum security prison for men. They called me to pick up a package to study for a primary worker position at Edmonton Institution for Women (EIFW).”
The Black Employee Network: connecting Black employees across CSC
The Black Employee Network is a virtual safe space to support an inclusive workplace where the diversity of backgrounds, ideas, and abilities is valued and respected—a place where every Black employee can reach their potential.
Theresa Halfkenny: an exceptional volunteer
Theresa Halfkenny was a volunteer at prisons in the Atlantic Region for 32 years. Her dedication and kindness had an impact on CSC and the hundreds of offenders over the years.
Restorative Justice: in the shoes of a mediator
CSC’s Restorative Justice Opportunities program enables dialogue to address the harm caused by a crime. It places those involved, the perpetrator and the victims, at the centre of the process. CSC has been advocating this approach for decades.
Recognizing Carole Eldridge and her unique approach to restorative justice
For 14 years, Carole Eldridge has worked with the Restorative Opportunities (RO) program at the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), providing her clients with compassionate care as a restorative justice practitioner and mediator in cases of serious crime.
The Pen goes to War
In 1943, during the height of WWII, newspaper journalists visited federal penitentiaries to highlight how inmates’ labour was supporting the war effort.
Offenders build arena bleachers, skills and community pride
“Work to Give, or W2G, is an Indigenous-led, Indigenous-focused program that provides opportunities for Indigenous offenders to learn construction skills. It is critical for their well-being and rehabilitation.
Reflecting on Adele's legacy
“You could always count on Adele to do the right thing the right way.” Looking back at Adele MacInnis-Meagher’s career as an occupational therapist and leader at CSC.
Reading books to build family bonds
Parents reading books to their children helps build an important bond between them. The Children of Inmates Reading Program is doing just that. Inmates record themselves reading a book. The book and recording are sent to their child who can follow along while listening to their parent read.
Offender gifts Sedna carving to Inuit women's organization
As part of his healing journey, an Inuk offender recently donated his carving of Sedna, the Inuit goddess of the Sea, to the Pauktuutit Women of Canada organization. Carving is a strong piece of Inuit culture. Learn how CSC’s Indigenous Continuum of Care ensures culturally relevant programs and interventions to Indigenous offenders.
The unconventional approach for the unconventional learner
A CSC fitness program that promotes a healthy lifestyle is helping incarcerated individuals improve not only their physical health, but their mental and social well-being.
Introducing the new Deputy Commissioner for Indigenous Corrections
Kathy Neil is the new Deputy Commissioner for Indigenous Corrections. Highlighting the work of Elders and collaborating with Indigenous organizations and communities are her top priorities. Find out more about how she is bringing an Indigenous lens to corrections.
Set the path
Listen to Kathy Neil, the first Deputy Commissioner for Indigenous Corrections, in her own words about Indigenous corrections.
Truth and Reconciliation
Listen to Kathy Neil, the first Deputy Commissioner for Indigenous Corrections, in her own words about what Truth and Reconciliation means to her.
Cedarhedge turns 150
Canada’s Penitentiary Museum was once the Kingston Penitentiary warden’s home. It was built by inmate gangs in 1873. It turns 150 this summer.
For the love of the game
Michelle Foreman is a community parole officer responsible for rural areas in Southern Manitoba. She loves her job, but it’s a change of pace from her other life as a professional basketball player.
Introducing mugshots: The history of penitentiary photo identification
Mug shots and fingerprints are widely recognized as routine procedures when someone goes to prison. Yet, this was not done in Canadian prisons before the early 20th century. Why was this the case when the Canadian penitentiary system began in 1835?
Working with black offenders 'inside' and out
Three new liaison officers successfully pilot culturally appropriate community reintegration.
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