OTTAWA, October 16, 2006 - The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) welcomes
the report of the Correctional Investigator (CI). The CI's annual report represents an important, independent perspective on CSC
operations and thus gives CSC additional insight into its own performance.
This year's report includes 42 recommendations (including sub-recommendations) covering a broad range of topics. CSC's
official response to all areas of concern is appended to the Correctional Investigator's Report and is available on the CSC
website.
This year's report highlights the need for CSC to improve correctional results with Aboriginal offenders. CSC not only agrees
with this objective, we have made it a central thrust of our current business plan. However, we do not agree with the Correctional
Investigator's statement that the federal correctional system practices systemic discrimination against Aboriginal offenders. On
the contrary, while we acknowledge significant challenges in this area, we are making progress and we are doing this in a culturally
sensitive and professional manner. The Service is therefore disappointed with the CI's reference to discriminatory practices and
is proud to acknowledge the dedication of the many CSC staff, stakeholders, community individuals and partner organizations who
work together everyday to develop stronger capacity aimed at improving correctional outcomes with Aboriginals.
Nearly 19% of federal inmates are of Aboriginal ancestry, and CSC recognizes a need to more aggressively advance our agenda around
what works with Aboriginal offenders in conjunction with First Nations, Métis and Inuit organizations and communities.
As reported in our Report on Plans and Priorities tabled in Parliament on September 26, CSC is focused on delivering
five key priorities to improve our contribution to public safety. One of these priorities is to enhance our capacities to provide
effective interventions for First Nations, Métis and Inuit offenders. We have developed, and are implementing a new five-year Strategic
Plan for Aboriginal Corrections , which was published on our website last week. This plan clearly articulates our vision for
Aboriginal corrections, including appropriate interventions to reduce the rates of recidivism, which will significantly contribute
to the public safety of all Canadians.
Our strategic plan builds on our learning and innovation in Aboriginal corrections over the last 10 years. It will help us achieve
improved results in this area through greater integration of Aboriginal initiatives and considerations throughout CSC, with other
levels of government and with Aboriginal communities. CSC will continue to bring about changes to improve the efficiency of programs
and services for Aboriginal offenders, and seek ways to improve our capacity in this area.
To learn more about our vision for Aboriginal corrections, and the role we play in enhancing effective interventions for First
Nations, Métis and Inuit offenders visit www.csc-scc.gc.ca.
Keith Coulter Commissioner, Correctional Service of Canada
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For further information contact:
Guy Campeau (613) 947-3372 or (613) 371-2257
Media Relations, National Headquarters (Ottawa) Correctional Service of Canada
Response from the Correctional Service of Canada to the 33rd Annual Report of the Correctional Investigator 2005-2006
The Correctional Investigator Canada Website
