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Commissioner’s Update Stakeholders – March 12, 2024

This content is a message to Correctional Service Canada's (CSC’s) stakeholders from the Commissioner of CSC.

It is hard to believe we are already heading into the Spring! We all have so much we want to accomplish, and time seems to go by so quickly. Below you will find highlights and key updates since my last message.

Release of the National Joint Board of Investigation report on Myles Sanderson

On September 4, 2022, a terrible tragedy occurred on the James Smith Cree Nation and in Weldon, Saskatchewan, where 11 people were killed and 17 others injured in a mass stabbing. The depth of this tragedy, and the grief felt by these communities cannot be understated. Our hearts go out to them. The offender who committed these crimes was on Statutory Release at the time and died while in RCMP custody.

Following the incident, CSC and the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) convened a National Joint Board of Investigation (BOI) to review the circumstances surrounding his community supervision and Parole Board decisions.

Today, the BOI report and findings were made public. They reviewed a large volume of material and conducted a significant number of interviews to ensure the investigation was completed thoroughly and with integrity. We plan to work with relevant partners, including the James Smith Cree Nation, to finalize our action plan.

On March 11, the PBC Chairperson and myself met with representatives of the James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon communities to go over the report and answer any questions. I appreciated the positive and productive discussions that took place.

2024 to 2025 Departmental Plan

On February 29, the President of the Treasury Board Secretariat tabled departmental plans on behalf of all federal departments and agencies in Parliament. CSC's 2024 to 2025 Departmental Plan outlines our plans, priorities and expected results for the upcoming fiscal year. It also includes the financial and human resources we will need to deliver on those plans. Many of you are key to our success and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together in the upcoming fiscal year!

Our progress for 2023 to 2024 will be reported in the Departmental Results Report this fall. As the fiscal year comes to a close, we look forward to reporting progress against these commitments.

CSC’s National Victim Services Program

In 2022 to 2023, CSC provided services to over 8,500 registered victims and is required by the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights to provide a complaints mechanism. in 2022 to 2023, CSC received 12 formal complaints received from victims, three of which CSC did not fully uphold victims' rights. I invite you to consult our annual report:

In November 2023, CSC struck a Multi-disciplinary Victims Committee that meet from November 2023 to February 2024. Meetings included presentations, dialogue and consideration of expressed concerns or recommendations from its 11 members. Membership included victims/survivors of crime, experts in corrections (institution and community settings), criminologists, and senior officials from CSC, the Parole Board of Canada and Public Safety Canada. The Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime acted as a special advisor. The Committee’s final report is expected to be made public in the coming weeks.

9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline

Canadians now have access to a bilingual, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate mental health and suicide prevention support. The 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is accessible 24/7, 365 days a year. Learn more about the helpline and spread the word:

International Women’s Day

March 8 was International Women's Day with the theme “Invest in women: Accelerate progress”. The day is recognized globally as a day to celebrate women and girls’ social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It is an important reminder that gender equality is one of the most effective ways to build healthier, more prosperous, and more inclusive communities. Thank you to all those working with women in our care and custody.

Black History Month 2024

This year’s theme for Black History month was, “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build.” It is essential that we continue to educate ourselves and reflect on the experiences of Black people in Canada. I would like to thank all those that were able to contribute or participate.

CSC has been working to take action to address gaps for Black offenders and to identify community supports that will help us deliver on our anti-racism commitments. There were a number of national initiatives happening across the country.

During Black History Month and beyond, we want to recognize the significant role of the National and Regional Ethnocultural Advisory Committee members have with CSC. For decades, their collaboration with CSC has been essential in better meeting the needs of Black and other racialized offenders. Their dedication to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion is so important to the work we do. If you know someone who would make a great member of the committee, CSC is always looking for new members.

Congratulations to Patricia Woroch, co-chair of the Pacific Regional Ethnocultural Advisory Committee and member of the National Ethnocultural Advisory Committee since 2009, for being appointed to the Order of British Columbia. We are lucky to have Patricia as part of our Committee.

Eliminating Barriers for Persons with Disabilities

In response to the requirements of the Accessible Canada Act, CSC recently published an intranet page for employees that contains resources, guidance documents, and a new and official feedback process on accessibility.

For more information on what CSC is doing to eliminate barriers to accessibility, please see CSC’s 2022 to 2025 Accessibility Plan.​ Our 2022 to 2023 Progress Report will soon be available on our website.

Celebrating Canada’s Penitentiary Museum Volunteers

In 2023, Canada’s Penitentiary Museum welcomed over 30,000 visitors. From tour guides to researchers and board members, the museum’s volunteers’ dedication and expertise have been vital to its success. In 2024, the museum will be celebrating its 60th season and we are looking forward to celebrating with them.

Public Service Pride Network Annual Report

Pride is more than a season - it is an opportunity to support 2SLGBTQIA+ year-round. The Public Service Pride Network released their annual report for 2023, which highlights the incredible work done by Pride networks across government, including our own here at CSC. Participation in the Capital Pride Parade is featured on page 13. Thank you again to those who participated, including some of CSC’s Citizen Advisory Committee members.

Anijaarniq Holistic Inuit Strategy

In consultation with federal Inuit stakeholders, CSC is revitalizing the Anijaarniq Holistic Inuit Strategy to address the specific cultural and spiritual needs of Incarcerated Inuit. The strategy was created in 2022 to define the path forward for Inuit corrections and meaningfully advance reconciliation within the federal correctional system.

Podcast Episodes “Prisons Inside/Out”

CSC launched its first podcast episode in late 2023. We have received overwhelmingly positive comments on social media, and many staff and stakeholders have written to us to express their appreciation. Visit the links below to listen to CSC’s podcasts and follow along as we take you beyond the walls of our institutions, highlighting the important work we do to protect Canadians and change lives every day:

In closing, thank you for the work you do. Many of you work hard to change lives while protect Canadians, and your ongoing support and partnership is appreciated.


Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.

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