The Correctional Service of Canada announces Deputy Commissioner for Indigenous Corrections – Biography of Ms. Kathy Neil

March 27, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – Correctional Service Canada

Kathy Neil is a Metis woman born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

She has 27 years of experience in the field of corrections. She is currently the Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Correctional Operations, for the Correctional Service of Canada in the Prairie Region.

In the past, Kathy served as the Warden of Saskatchewan Penitentiary. She has first-hand experience working directly with Indigenous inmates in correctional institutions and healing lodges, including occupying positions in the areas of health services and mental health. Earlier in her career, she was a Community Health Worker, Mental Health Facilitator, and a Crisis Interventions Counsellor.

Kathy also worked on the historic elimination of administrative segregation and implementation of Structured Intervention Units in 2019, including policy development, operations, and training.

Kathy has extensive knowledge of Indigenous communities, their history, and of the federal inmate population in Canada. This has helped her develop robust partnerships and initiatives that are culturally appropriate and sensitive to the needs of federal offenders and their support networks.

Kathy has strong ties to her community and believes that positive relationships are key to assisting and supporting inmates on their rehabilitation journey.

As a proponent for Indigenous recruitment and retention, Kathy serves as a mentor to many and actively seeks opportunities to partner with Indigenous peoples and organizations.

Kathy holds a BA with a major in Indigenous studies and sociology from the University of Saskatchewan.

Associated links

• Commissioner’s mandate letter
• Calls for Justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
• News Release