OTTAWA, April 20 , 2007 — The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, today announced the appointment of an independent panel to review the operations of Correctional Service Canada (CSC), as part of the government’s commitment to protecting Canadian families and communities. “Canada’s New Government is committed to ensuring a fair and effective corrections system with a priority to protect Canadians,” said Minister Day. “That’s why, as we promised, we’re undertaking a review of our corrections system.” Rob Sampson, former Minister of Corrections for the Ontario Government, will chair the panel and will be joined by four additional panel members with expertise in public policy and public safety. Members of the panel are Serge Gascon; Ian Glen, Q.C.; Chief Clarence Louie- Oliver; and Sharon Rosenfeldt. The panel’s Terms of Reference and member biographies can be found in the attached Backgrounder. The panel will begin work immediately and will consult with stakeholders, justice experts, CSC staff and the general public. Their report will be provided to the Minister of Public Safety by October 31, 2007. John Muise, Director of Public Safety for the Ca nadian Centre for Abuse Awareness welcomed the announcement saying, “We applaud Minister Day for taking this important step to conduct an independent review of our federal corrections system. Over a year ago, the Ca nadian Centre for Abuse Awareness called for such a review to help improve the well-being of innocent Ca nadians.” One of the key issues to be reviewed includes how the changing offender profile impacts on CSC’s ability to provide effective offender programming, and a safe environment for employees. “Canadians have told us they want a stronger corrections system, which is why this panel will review CSC’s operational priorities, its strategies and business plan,” concluded Minister Day. “The end result will be a more effective correctional system and improved public safety.” See also:Backgrounder - Correctional Service Canada Review Panel Fact Sheet - Correctional Service Canada Information:Media RelationsPublic Safety Canada613-991-0657Mélisa LeclercDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Honourable Stockwell DayMinister of Public Safety 613-991-2863
