The Correctional Service of Canada announces Deputy Commissioner for Indigenous Corrections

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

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) welcomes Kathy Neil as the Deputy Commissioner for Indigenous Corrections (DCIC). Ms. Neil will assume her new duties on May 1, 2023.

The Government of Canada is strongly committed to addressing the overrepresentation of Indigenous, Black, and racialized people in Canada's criminal justice system. A central element of this work involves supporting the safe and successful reintegration of offenders into communities across the country.

Reporting directly to the Commissioner, the new Deputy Commissioner for Indigenous Corrections will play an integral role within CSC to help address issues within the correctional system, including the disproportionate overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples. This new position will also work to build and further partnerships with Indigenous peoples, groups, and communities, as well as ensure the delivery of culturally appropriate interventions, supports, and services for federal offenders.

This new role was created in response to the Commissioner’s mandate letter commitment and directly responds to Call for Justice 5.23 of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). The Deputy Commissioner for Indigenous Corrections will ensure the implementation of the MMIWG Calls for Justice and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action within CSC’s purview, as well as support the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Over the past number of years, CSC’s Indigenous Initiatives Directorate has done substantial work to implement new programs and initiatives to support the rehabilitation of Indigenous offenders. The Deputy Commissioner for Indigenous Corrections will build on this significant foundation and work to improve the outcomes for Indigenous people in our care and custody.