Commissioner's update for correctional employees: July 16, 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 just wanted to note a couple of days we are marking this week that may be of interest to you.
July 17 is World Day for International Justice, observed around the world to recognize international criminal justice and promote victims’ rights.
For more information, please visit:
- International Justice Day | Coalition for the International Criminal Court
- 17 July - Day of International Criminal Justice | International Criminal Court (icc-cpi.int)
July 18 is Nelson Mandela International Day, in recognition of the long-lasting mark the late Nelson Mandela made on the world. Of special importance to CSC is his legacy surrounding more humane and effective correctional policies. Through our work, we honour his memory and uphold his values on protecting rights and advancing equality and fairness in the Canadian correctional system.
For more information on Nelson Mandela International Day please visit: Nelson Mandela International Day
You can find a more complete list of important dates recognized by the Government of Canada at Canadian Heritage. You may also visit the Prime Minister’s page to read statements on these commemorative dates.
Faces of CSC
Arly Irvine is a Mediator with the Restorative Opportunities Program in the Ontario Region. Arly works with victums and offenders in restorative justice to address gaps in the healing process. Learn more about how she and her service dog are helping facilitate this healing in the latest edition of Lets's Talk.
Inmate Accountability Working Group
I am pleased to share that we continue to advance work within the Inmate Accountability Working Group (IAWG). This multi-disciplinary group is led by the Security Operations Division and comprised of employees from the Preventive Security and Intelligence Branch, the Reintegration Operation Division, regional members as well as union partners from UCCO-SACC-CSN and USJE. It is exploring ways of enhancing inmates’ sense of responsibility and their awareness of behavioural expectations as they move through the correctional system. The IAWG is reviewing and analyzing existing policies and results achieved, as well as looking at internationally recognized best practices to inform innovative change and actions for CSC.
The IAWG is exploring 4 fundamental pillars:
- Behavioural expectations and role modeling
- Discipline and incentives
- Relationship building and interactions
- Interventions and engagement with the Correctional Plan
I would like to thank the working group for their work to date. In the coming months, they will be engaging with and consulting staff in multiple areas of expertise. I encourage you to follow their progress in future communications.
You can also share your opinions and ideas by sending an email to: GEN-NAT Inmate Accountability-responsabilisation des détenus.
Henry Traill Memorial – July 7, Cataraqui Cemetery
I wanted to share a couple of photos from the moving ceremony held on July 7 in honour of Henry Traill, the first correctional employee to lose their life in the line of duty. My thanks to the Ontario Region, the Guard of Honour, and the National Training Academy for their collaboration in so fittingly remembering one of CSC’s fallen.
Commissioner’s Commendation –Andrée Arsenault
Last week, I had the pleasure to present Andrée with the Commissioner's Commendation award. After 25 years of outstanding work at CSC, most recently in the Ombuds for Workplace Well-being group, Andrée has retired. I want to thank her for her commitment and her solid leadership. Known as a role model for administrative employees, she is known for her hard work, dependability, integrity, and excellence. She truly embodied our shared values of respect, fairness, professionalism, inclusiveness, and accountability.
Thank you all for the work you do, day in and day out, in service to Canadians.
Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.
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