Harvey Cenaiko

On July 31, 2009, Harvey Cenaiko was appointed as a full-time member and Chairperson of the Parole Board of Canada. He was first appointed to the Board on July 7, 2008, as the Vice-Chairperson for the Prairies region.

Before joining the Board in 2008, Mr. Cenaiko served as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Calgary-Buffalo, Government of Alberta, from March 2001 to April 2008, and was Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security from 2004 to 2006. He initiated the establishment of the Alberta Sheriff Division, the Integrated Child Exploitation Unit, the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) tackling organized crime, gang and drug enforcement and the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), responsible for public oversight in matters of police related serious incidents.

Before entering public office, Mr. Cenaiko enjoyed a distinguished 25-year career as a member of the Calgary Police Service, retiring with the rank of Inspector. Mr. Cenaiko was awarded a Chief’s Commendation for his undercover police work, a Municipal Service Medal from the City of Calgary, a Long Service Medal from the Government of Alberta, and an Exemplary Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada. Mr. Cenaiko is also a recipient of both the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals from the Governor General of Canada.

As Chairperson of the Board, Mr. Cenaiko currently serves on a number of committees, which includes the Association of Paroling Authorities International, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police’s Victims of Crime Committee and Heads of Corrections.

During his tenure as the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Parole Board of Canada, Mr. Cenaiko restructured the Risk Assessment Framework (RAF), streamlined decision making processes and policies, which emphasize evidence based decision models that are balanced, proportionate and fair, supporting the successful and timely reintegration of law-abiding individuals into Canadian communities.

Additionally, Mr. Cenaiko modernized the Board and changed the culture while delivering services to Canadians in a more cost-effective way. He directed and implemented environmentally friendly alternatives to foster the use of technology in all facets of the Board’s work and achieved the ambitious goal of implementing a paperless decision system.

Presently Mr. Cenaiko’s priority is leading the Board in responding to the "Calls to Action" following the Truth and Reconciliation Report and to support the government’s commitment to a renewed nation-to-nation relationship between Canada and its Indigenous peoples. He is committed to promoting a positive and healthy workplace through an open, inclusive and respectful environment which reflects the values and diversity of Canada.