Citizen Advisory Committees National Executive Committee

Richard Veldhoen

Richard Veldhoen is a retired Detective who served in the Calgary Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, where he worked closely with the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC). His experience with federal inmates in communities set his ethos on how Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) members should:

• observe
• liaise, and 
• advise

CSC and their work: a balance between accountability and assistance. Richard also has experience as a Board and Executive member of several other community agencies and associations, and has been a member of the Calgary Parole Office CAC for 10 years, serving as Vice-Chairperson and Chairperson for 6 of them.

Eddy Elmer

Eddy Elmer is a PhD candidate in sociology and social gerontology. He focuses on:

• social isolation
• loneliness, and 
• mental health

in marginalized groups, including sexual minority seniors and aging offenders. He became involved in corrections in 2018, when he joined the CAC for Metro Vancouver West Community Corrections. Since joining, he has raised the profile of CACs and promoted public understanding of corrections through interactive:

• webinars
• lectures, and 
• media contributions

He was elected Pacific Regional Chair in May 2023, after serving over three years as Vice-chair of his local CAC at Metro Vancouver West Community Corrections, a position he still holds. In recognition of his commitment to CACs and public engagement, Eddy won the 2022 James A. Murphy Award for Excellence.

Greg Martin

Greg Martin is a dedicated member of the Dorchester Penitentiary CAC in New Brunswick, who has devoted 12 years to advise CSC on policies, programs, and services. His passion for community service is further exemplified through his 35 years of fostering teenage boys. Greg's community leadership has been recognized through his election to the Tantramar Town Council, where he was subsequently elected Deputy Mayor. Greg has served as the Chair and Vice Chair for the committee and was elected the Atlantic Regional Chair in February 2024. In 2025, Greg received the King Charles III's Coronation Medal, an esteemed medal that recognized his significant contributions to Canada, reflecting his dedication to the betterment of his community.

Josiane Despins

Josiane Despins has been a member of Drummond Institution’s CAC since 2018. She has also been involved with the Regional Executive Committee since 2020 and has been its president since 2022. A criminologist with a master's degree in addiction intervention, Josiane worked for several years as a socio-judicial worker with adolescents and adults being monitored under criminal justice legislation. Currently, she works with public health on leading their overdose prevention efforts.

Her involvement at CSC is motivated by her interest in the impact of:

• legislation
• social policies
• measures, and 
• services

on the lives of people of all ages in conflict with the law and experiencing social exclusion.

Marc  Gagné

Marc Gagné joined the CAC in 2019 and has focused on strengthening recruitment and expanding community outreach. Marc is a retired teacher and former school administrator with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. He brings over 33 years of experience in education. Despite retiring, he continues to contribute actively to the school board as an occasional principal. Marc is also a dedicated volunteer outside of CSC and contributes to community organizations supporting vulnerable populations. He is engaged in local politics and has played key operational roles in both provincial and federal election campaigns.

As the Chair of the Peterborough Parole Office, and the current Ontario and Nunavut Regional Chair, Marc brings his lifelong commitment to education and community service to every aspect of the role.

Garry Didrikson

Garry Didrikson is a longstanding member of the Bowden Institution and Red Deer Parole Board CAC and has previously toured Drumheller Institution and Edmonton Institution. Garry also has extensive experience working with various boards and organizations, including:

• Co-op
• Downtown Business Association
• City of Red Deer
• Canada Winter Games, and
• the Kinsmen Service Club

Garry studied in Canada and the USA and has a background in Engineering, Education, and Healthcare. He maintains yearly education in these areas as well as in Social Inclusivity.

Garry is passionate about rehabilitation and building connections, and his engagement with CSC is guided by these interests.