CORCAN advisory board

Correctional Service Canada (CSC) is the federal government agency responsible for administering sentences of a term of two years or more, as imposed by the courts. CSC is responsible for managing institutions of various security levels and supervising offenders under conditional release in the community. As part of the criminal justice system and respecting the rule of law, CSC contributes to public safety by actively encouraging and assisting offenders to become law-abiding citizens, while exercising reasonable, safe, secure and humane control.

CSC's corporate priorities stem from its mission, legislative framework and risk profile. They provide specific focus for the organization's direction, programs and initiatives. CSC has six priorities, which are all equally important.

• Safe management of eligible offenders during their transition from the institution to the community, and while on supervision.
• Safety and security of the public, victims, staff and offenders in institutions and in the community.
• Effective, culturally appropriate interventions and reintegration support for First Nations, Métis and Inuit offenders.
• Effective and timely interventions in addressing mental health needs of offenders.
• Efficient and effective management practices that reflect values-based leadership in a changing environment.
• Productive relationships with diverse partners, stakeholders, victims' groups, and others involved in support of public safety.

CORCAN is a special operating agency within CSC and is responsible for the employment and employability of federal offenders. CORCAN provides on-the-job training, apprenticeship hours, vocational certifications and soft skills training to CSC offenders during their incarceration and while under community supervision. CORCAN supports offenders on conditional release through employment support services, ongoing employment skills training and transitional employment opportunities.

In addition to program and support services, CORCAN has five business lines:

• manufacturing
• textiles
• construction
• services (i.e. vehicle refurbishment, printing and laundry)
• agribusiness

The CORCAN Advisory Board was established pursuant to the creation of CORCAN as a Special Operating Agency in 1992. CORCAN's Advisory Board is appointed by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness as legislated through Section 108 of the Corrections and Conditional Release Regulations (CCRR). The Advisory Board provides advice to the CORCAN Executive Management Committee on a broad range of issues including offender vocational training, employment opportunities, business activities, and partnerships with private sector and non-governmental organizations. The Advisory Board also supports CORCAN by advising senior management on the best way to position CORCAN given the current economic climate while also promoting the value of CORCAN to Canadian citizens.

The Advisory Board is comprised of prominent citizens from a variety of sectors that can represent a diverse range of expertise and knowledge to positively support the Correctional Service of Canada's Employment and Employability Program. This could include representatives from all levels of government, employment programs, business, labour, academia, and non-profit organizations. Board members are appointed in an advisory capacity only and are not expected to have any active part in the decision making process involving CORCAN operations.

The CORCAN Advisory Board is a necessary and important part of CSC's mandate to meet the needs of our diverse offender population and contribute to public safety results.

The Advisory Board will focus on discussing a variety of topics related to CORCAN, including:

• Offender employment and employability program
• CORCAN business line strategy to build relevant technical and transferable offender employment skills
• Partnership and communications
• Sales and marketing
• Human resources recruitment and retention
• Procurement and contracting

The board will be composed of not more than 12 members, including ex officio members that collectively represent a broad base of experience and knowledge related to supporting employment programming and business models.

Board member applications

As previous board members' terms have expired, we are currently seeking applications to support us in fulfilling our mandate and provide non-binding recommendations and advice to CORCAN.

• Advisory Board members will be appointed to a three-year term. This is a volunteer position with paid travel expenses.
• The Government of Canada will consider bilingualism proficiency and diversity in assessing candidates for the appointments.
• Preference may be given to candidates who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, disabled persons, and members of visible minorities

Deadline

The deadline to apply is January 31, 2024 - 23:59 Eastern Time.

Applications must be received by the deadline. 

How to apply

The following items should be included in your application:

1. A cover letter detailing your interest and the relevant experience, knowledge and abilities you will bring as a member of CORCAN’s Advisory Board.
2. Your résumé.
3. Two letters of recommendation, including contact information, from a person with a position of responsibility within an organization, government or business that can attest to your experience and abilities. 

Contact information

Candidates may apply by email to Christopher Hill, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), CORCAN, Correctional Service of Canada. Applications and inquiries can be sent to the email address below:

• -ceo-pdg.gen-corcan@csc-scc.gc.ca

By mail:
Christopher Hill, CEO, CORCAN
340 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0P9