OTTAWA, Sept.5, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, the Commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada issued the following statement:
"On July 30, 2018, I was appointed as Commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC). Today, I am honoured to receive my mandate letter from the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, which outlines the Government of Canada's priorities as they relate to CSC. This letter will help me establish key commitments in carrying out our mission, vision and mandate.
I am very proud to be leading a diverse and passionate team that is dedicated to the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. I also want to extend my sincerest thanks to all our partners – from volunteers and community members, to our many stakeholders. Your support is vital to ensuring our offenders are better prepared and equipped to make appropriate choices and positive changes in their lives, and I look forward to working with you in my new role.
Strengthening partnerships and building new ones will also help us address the needs of our complex and diverse offender population. Every person is unique, and we must take into account cultural background, gender, and individual needs to help offenders become productive, law-abiding members of the community. In particular, we will continue to enhance interventions and reintegration support for Indigenous men and women offenders.
Ensuring offenders have opportunities to turn their lives around and return to the community as law-abiding citizens remains the cornerstone of CSC's mission. We know that offenders who receive programming, support and gainful employment are less likely to return to our custody, and we will continue to provide these resources in a variety of ways. Third-party certified vocational training through CORCAN in areas linked to labour market needs, for example, will give offenders the opportunity to gain valuable on-the-job training and prepare them for employment upon their release.
The mandate letter also acknowledges the importance of providing quality health care services, including mental health, for offenders. As we strive to provide a therapeutic environment for offenders, we must continue to promote harm reduction measures and view issues such as addiction through a health lens.
Creating and maintaining a safe, healthy and respectful workplace for our employees, offenders, and visitors alike is at the top of my agenda. We are taking the necessary steps to ensure our workplace is free of harassment, bullying, and discrimination, so that we can focus on what we do best: changing lives and protecting Canadians.
Whether it is ensuring a respectful workplace, enhancing rehabilitation and reintegration opportunities for offenders, or providing compassionate services for victims, I look forward to working with our many partners in the months and years ahead to fulfill my mandate. We will also be publicly reporting on progress in contributing to greater public safety for all Canadians."
Anne Kelly
Commissioner
Correctional Service of Canada
SOURCE Correctional Services of Canada
Media Relations, 613-992-7711, [email protected]
Share this article