Commissioner's update for offenders and their families: April 6, 2023

As part of our ongoing commitment to deliver quality health services to you, CSC is taking part in on-site surveys across the country to assess health services. You may notice the surveyors from Accreditation Canada in your institution. They will be working with our staff and they may speak to you as well. This process helps us identify what we are doing well and where we can improve our health services. Surveys will take place between April and June 2023. 

This month, the Creating Choices Report turns 33 years old. This ground-breaking report provided a clearer understanding of the rehabilitation needs of incarcerated women. It is recognized as a model of excellence around the world.

The five principles of the report are still at the heart of programming for incarcerated women today:

• empowerment
• meaningful and responsible choices
• respect and dignity
• supportive environment
• shared responsibility

April is Sikh Heritage Month in Canada. This is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the rich culture and history of the Sikh community. Sikh Canadians continue to make significant: 

• social
• economic
• political, and
• cultural

contributions to communities across the country. 

This weekend, Jews, Christians, and Muslims will celebrate holy days at the same time. Jewish Passover began at sundown on April 5 and ends April 13. Christians celebrate Easter from April 7 to April 9. These special holidays are happening during Islam's holy month of Ramadan, which began at sundown on March 22. Easter and Passover often coincide, but this is the second year in a row that the three religions celebrate at the same time. Usually, it only happens every 33 years.  Chag Pesach sameach! Happy Easter! Ramadan Mubarak!