Commissioner's update for correctional employees: March 18 , 2024
This content is a message to Correctional Service Canada (CSC) staff from CSC's Commissioner.
Our Mission: The Correctional Service of Canada, as part of the criminal justice system and respecting the rule of law, contributes to public safety by actively encouraging and assisting offenders to become law-abiding citizens, while exercising reasonable, safe, secure and humane control.
I want to take a moment to acknowledge the impact the ongoing and escalating conflict in the Middle East has had on so many of our staff.
As you may have read, the Government of Canada has recently expressed its deep concern about the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and I, like so many Canadians, am heartbroken about the scale of devastation.
I also sympathize with CSC employees who have personal ties to the region and who may be severely affected by ongoing events. I hope all employees and managers will be sensitive to this and especially supportive of colleagues with personal ties to the region as they are feeling the impacts of this conflict so acutely.
I know this subject may be triggering for many, and there are resources available to you. If you wish to speak to someone, EAP referral agents are available to listen and help you find appropriate, helpful resources to support you. The Employee Assistance Program is available not only to all employees, but also to eligible family members 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you want more information on Canada’s response to the crisis, please visit:
Journée internationale de la francophonie
Wednesday, March 20 is the Journée internationale de la francophonie. This month also marks the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie (RVF) celebrations.
These events are an opportunity to recognize the contributions of French Canadians and to celebrate the French language and cultures in Canada. I encourage you to find out what RVF events are taking place near you and join the celebrations.
Faces of CSC
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Thursday, March 21 is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This day serves as a call to action to join the collective effort to end racism and discrimination of all forms.
While much progress has been made, Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities, and religious minority groups in Canada continue to face racism and discrimination each and every day.
I would like to remind everyone that there is no tolerance for racism and discrimination inside or outside our organization. At CSC, we are entrusted with the care and custody of a diverse group of offenders and the way we conduct ourselves in every situation, at work and at home, matters.
CSC is dedicated to being a strong, active voice in the fight to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination, injustice, systemic racism and hate.
In honour of the day, you are invited to attend the Employment Equity and Diversity Committee’s (EEDC’s) Intercultural Communication Workshop on March 19, from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm (ET) (French session) and 1pm – 2:30pm (ET) (English session).
Webcast link (English session):
Webcast link (French session):
For more webinars and resources, please visit: the EEDC Hub page:
University of Guelph
Earlier this month, I had the honour of delivering the 2024 Truscott Lecture in Justice at the University of Guelph. I spoke about how CSC fits into the criminal justice system, highlighting the difficult but important work we do every day.
I also had the chance to engage with some bright and enthusiastic students and urged them to consider a career in corrections.
CORCAN partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada
During the first week of March, the CORCAN Ottawa Community Industry team partnered with Veteran Affairs Canada (VAC) to install new height adjustable desks in the VAC offices. Following the work, VAC sent an email to their colleagues highlighting their appreciation of the great work completed by CORCAN and outlining their mandate of employment training which Ottawa Community Industry embodies.
By purchasing the furniture from CORCAN, and using the Community Industry team to install it, VAC contributed to a social reinvestment and generated a positive impact. The Community Industry program offers offenders the chance to change, grow and create a positive impact on society.
State funeral in memory of the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney
Finally, as you may know, Canada’s 18th Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, P.C., C.C., G.O.Q., passed away on February 29, 2024.
You can view the funeral cortège and ceremony, broadcast live from Montréal. Links will be made available through the commemorative webpage.
Thank you for your continued work, and a special thank you to all the staff that covered for colleagues during the March Break period. Your contributions are greatly appreciated.
Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.
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