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decorative Louise’s legacy: The tragic loss that transformed community corrections
20 years after the tragic passing of Parole Officer Louise Pargeter, their legacy continues to inspire countless others in community corrections, through the work of the Advisory...
People 2024-10-29
Photograph of Heather Finn Heather Finn: Emerson Douyon Multiculturalism Award 2020–2021 Recipient
For over 15 years, Heather Finn’s passion and leadership has made her a strong advocate and champion of initiatives geared toward the successful reintegration of Black offenders.
Faces of CSC, People 2022-08-02
Photograph of snowy landscape with a large dream catcher on the right Eddy Elmer’s webinar vision enabled global conversations about corrections
Eddy Elmer’s innovative use of webinars to engage the public earned him the 2022 James A. Murphy Citizen Advisory Committee Award.
Faces of CSC, People 2023-04-24
Photograph of snowy landscape with a large dream catcher on the right Healing lodges: A path to rehabilitation and reconnection
Healing lodges are a vital component of Canada’s correctional landscape. They are more than just correctional facilities.They are also sanctuaries of transformation. The lodges prioritize healing, community, and respect for Indigenous culture.
Programs 2024-09-27
Picture of Elder Paul Bourgeois Faces of CSC: Elder Paul Bourgeois, Mishcogaabaowe (Standing Strong)
Elder Paul Bourgeois talks about the importance of the Circle
Faces of CSC, People 2024-09-24
La Macaza Institution’s award winning Indigenous Programs Building La Macaza Institution’s award winning Indigenous Programs Building project
In November 2022, the Indigenous Programs Building project at La Macaza Institution received the Engagement and Partnerships with Indigenous Peoples Award from the Real Property Institute of Canada.
La Macaza Institution, Buildings 2024-09-20
Picture of Pastor Oliver Johnson Faces of CSC: Pastor Oliver Johnson
“As professionals, we must function with integrity and compassion by first listening to the needs and concerns of both staff and inmates alike.”
Faces of CSC, People 2024-09-06
Picture of Ange Kadima. Faces of CSC: Ange Kadima
"The whole concept of incarceration-turned-corrections is very meaningful. In many other countries, there is no intent to correct and people never talk about these things."
Faces of CSC, People 2024-08-30
a square with an illustration of an eagle in it and a second square with the front of a leather moccasin in it Creating a new future with leather and textiles
Warkworth Institution’s Indigenous Product Shop gives inmates skills to create brighter futures.
People, Programs 2024-08-23
Woman with arms up standing on ice and dirt, low hills in background Trading flip flops for parkas
How Marita Erkila embraced her new role as Parole Officer Supervisor in Nunavut
People 2024-08-16
Tony, in blue, competing at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, England, in his first round versus France. Faces of CSC: Tony Walby
"We are actually limiting ourselves to the talent pool that we could have by not doing the work to make things accessible."
Faces of CSC, People 2024-08-09
A dog and man walking beside warehouse shelves. Detector Dogs: Every day is bring your dog to work day
Imagine bringing your dog to work every day. Dog lovers would call that a dream job. For 87 Correctional Service Canada (CSC) dog handlers, it is.
People, Programs 2024-08-02
décorative Laundry helps inmate sort out life
Jessy takes on vocational training program in laundry services for personal development and training during his sentence.
People, Programs 2024-07-26
décorative Four-legged unconditional support: Pet Therapy in Stony Mountain’s SIU
Discover the impact visits from therapy dogs has on inmates at Stony Mountain Institution.
Programs 2024-07-15
Peggy Joiner Peggy Joiner: Championing change and empowerment in corrections
Peggy Joiner, the 2023 James A. Murphy Award recipient, believes in the power of change for incarcerated individuals.
People 2024-07-12
Abigail Carleton Faces of CSC: Abigail Carleton
“I definitely would say, ‘yes, we are improving corrections for Indigenous offenders.’”
Faces of CSC; People 2024-07-09
Arly Irvine Faces of CSC: Arly Irvine
Arly Irvine brings together her passions of restorative justice and animals together in the healing process at CSC.
Faces of CSC; People 2024-07-05
Ikaarvik House Ikaarvik House: a bridge to the community
Ikaarvik House provides a positive, culturally appropriate environment for Inuit to transition safely to the community.
Indigenous corrections 2024-06-28
Elders at CSC Elders at CSC - The Cornerstone of Indigenous Corrections
Elders across the country help CSC meet the unique needs of Indigenous people in its custody.
Indigenous corrections 2024-06-21
Seven Sacred Teachings Seven Sacred Teachings significant addition to Structured Intervention Units programming
Seven Sacred Teachings in Structured Intervention Unit at Stony Mountain Institution is having a positive impact on Indigenous offenders.
Indigenous corrections 2024-06-14
The Power of Art as Therapy 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.
Programs 2024-05-31
Dave St. Onge 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.
Faces of CSC; People 2024-05-24
Beekeeping 101 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.
Programs 2024-05-17
James Murphy 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”
Faces of CSC; People 2024-04-25
CORCAN participants rebuild historic fence CORCAN participants rebuild historic fence
Indigenous offenders mended fences at a historic Parks Canada site and learned new skills to help keep history alive.
Programs; Indigenous corrections; History 2024-04-05
Champion of Multiculturalism 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).
People 2024-04-25
Marilyn Sheldon 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.”
Faces of CSC; People 2024-03-28
Commissioner Anne Kelly 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.
People; Programs 2024-03-27
Stacie Bourdon 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.
Faces of CSC; People 2024-03-22
Development of the CSC badge 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.
History 2024-03-18
Women working in corrections 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.
History 2024-03-19
Prison for women Crime, punishment, and prison for women
Susan Turner, Hannah Downes, and Hannah Baglen were each convicted of theft. They arrived at the new penitentiary in Kingston on September 3, 1835, becoming the first women incarcerated in Canada.
History 2024-03-04
 Ellen Connor 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...”
Faces of CSC; People 2024-03-04
Sharing the benefits of multiculturalism with offenders and colleagues 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.
People 2024-02-23
Alima Prime 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...”
Faces of CSC; People 2024-02-09
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.
Programs; People 2024-02-02
Theresa Halfkenny 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.
Programs 2023-12-01

    Restorative Justice 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.
Programs 2023-11-23
Recognizing Carole Eldridge Recognizing Carole Eldridge and her unique approach to restorative justice
For 14 years, Carole Eldridge has worked with the Restorative Opportunities program at the Correctional Service of Canada, providing her clients with compassionate care as a restorative...
People 2023-11-17
The Pen goes to War 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.
History 2023-11-10
Offenders build arena bleachers 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.
Indigenous corrections; Programs 2023-11-03
Reflecting on Adele's legacy 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.
People 2023-10-27
Reading books to build family bonds 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.
Programs 2023-10-20
Offender gifts Sedna carving to Inuit women's organization 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.
Indigenous corrections 2023-10-23
The unconventional approach 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.
Programs 2023-10-23
new Deputy Commissioner for Indigenous Corrections 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...
Indigenous corrections 2023-09-25
Set the path​​ Set the path​​
Listen to Kathy Neil, the first Deputy Commissioner for Indigenous Corrections, in her own words about Indigenous corrections.
Indigenous corrections 2023-09-25
Truth and Reconciliation​​ 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.
Indigenous corrections 2023-09-29
Cedarhedge turns 150​​​​ 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.
History​​​​ 2023-08-30
For the love of the game​​​​​ 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.
People​​​​​ 2023-08-17
decorative Ethnocultural calendar inspires art and change
The 2023 ethnocultural wall calendar features colourful artwork and thought-provoking poems. Each month’s original art is created by a different incarcerated individual.
Programs 2023-07-21
Theatre inside the walls Theatre inside the walls
Every fall, since 1981, William Head on Stage has been attracting audiences of up to 2,500 over 15 nights. William Head Institution, a 35-minute drive from Victoria, B.C., is the only federal prison in Canada that has an inmate-run theatre...
Programs 2023-07-14
The history of penitentiary photo identification​​​ 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...
History​​​​​ 2023-07-05
Working with black offenders​​ Working with black offenders 'inside' and out​​​​​
Three new liaison officers successfully pilot culturally appropriate community reintegration.
Programs​​ 2023-06-19
décorative Meet Jude Clyke: advocate for change for Black offenders and employees
People. That’s what inspires Jude Clyke to come to work every day.
People 2023-01-17
décorative Cecilia Rossander embodies the spirit of multiculturalism
“If I could replicate her DNA, I’d clone four or five Cecilia Rossanders,” laughed Anthony Baldo, Assistant Warden Interventions at William Head Institution.
People 2020-10-20
décorative Meet a REAC Member: Desmond Doran
Mr. Desmond Doran, was recently honored for his decades-long work within multicultural communities in Canada, receiving the Jamaican Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation.
People 2019-01-23
décorative Douyon Award winner brings cultural events to offenders
When Donna Myskiw, a social program officer at Stony Mountain Institution, was informed she’d won the 2017 to 2018 Emerson Douyon Multiculturalism Award, her first reaction was surprise.
People 2018-08-31
décorative Meet a REAC member: Daniel Cho
The volunteer members of REACs across Canada, provide advice to CSC to meet the needs of ethnocultural offenders and help CSC staff, volunteers and the community learn about their unique needs and cultural interests.
People 2018-08-31
décorative Meet a REAC member: Sophia Brown Ramsay
Sophia Brown Ramsay is Vice-Chair of the Ontario REAC, and like all REAC members, she takes on this important advisory role as a volunteer.
People 2018-08-03
décorative Meet a REAC member: Sherman Chan
Sherman Chan from the Pacific Region is co-chair of the dedicated team of REAC members who advise CSC on services and interventions for ethnocultural offenders.
People 2018-06-01
décorative The Legacy of Dr. Emerson Douyon
The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is increasingly aware of the needs of ethnocultural offenders, thanks in large part to the pioneering work of Dr. Emerson Douyon and the late Marcel Kabundi.
People 2017-12-07
décorative Jeffrey’s out of Jail
A book titled Jeffrey’s Out of Jail was developed and published in 2017 as part of a collaborative effort between Correctional Service Canada and CFCN.
Programs 2017-08-31
décorative The Success of the Employment to Empowerment Project in the Pacific Region
When Employment to Empowerment (E2E) began in September 2014, the challenge was to create 400 jobs for offenders in the Pacific Region.
Programs 2017-02-15
décorative NEAC Member Recognized by Governor General
Luketa is a volunteer in Edmonton’s Francophone immigrant community where he champions education, social reintegration, and immigration issues.
People, Programs 2017-02-10
décorative National Ethnocultural Advisory Committee: Success Stories
CSC, National Ethnocultural Advisory Committee (NEAC) met in Ottawa on Thursday, March 10 to discuss recent best practices and success stories that highlight progress made in providing support to ethnocultural offenders across the country.
Programs 2016-04-16

Let's Talk

Let’s Talk is a publication of Correctional Service Canada (CSC). Let’s Talk shares stories new and old of the people and programs at CSC. These stories provide an engaging window into how CSC fulfills its mission of contributing to public safety and assisting in rehabilitation. Let’s Talk is your home for informative articles, podcasts, and videos about CSC.

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