Commissioner's update for correctional employees: October 6, 2025
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.
Our core values: Respect, fairness, professionalism, inclusiveness, and accountability.
Last week, CSC welcomed senior officials from The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services and the Ministry of National Security for discussions and various site visits at National Headquarters and in the Ontario and Nunavut Region.
The delegation met with CORCAN leadership and toured key facilities, including the CORCAN Warehouse, National Training Academy, and Correctional Learning and Development Centre.
I want to thank all of CSC’s staff who supported the visits. International partnerships continue to be an important part of our work!
Correctional Service Canada welcomes Permanent Missions of Canada in New York City Chief Superintendent deGale
I also had the pleasure to meet with Chief Superintendent Christopher deGale from Canada’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.
The visit at NHQ focused on strengthening Canada’s leadership in international corrections and supporting CSC’s engagement in UN initiatives.
Discussions covered gender-responsive leadership, peace operations, and future opportunities for CSC to contribute technical expertise and training internationally.
Change of Command Ceremony at Kent Institution
On September 10, Kent Institution marked an important milestone with a Change of Command Ceremony, welcoming Jeff Holliday as its new warden. This longstanding tradition symbolizes the formal transfer of leadership and responsibility and reflects our shared commitment to upholding CSC’s Mission.
As Warden Holliday steps into this role, he does so with a pledge to lead with integrity, respect the rule of law, and prioritize the safety and well-being of both staff and those in our care.
Congratulations to you, Warden Holliday! I am confident that you will lead by example and with passion.
World Mental Health Day
October 10 marks World Mental Health Day. This year’s theme “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies” reminds us to take the time to reflect, lend an ear, be open about our experiences, and learn about the resources available to improve mental health.
Exposure to stress, crises, and difficult events can have a significant impact on our mental health. CSC is committed to providing you with the tools and resources to support you.
Remember that resources are available to you at all times, which include:
- Mental Health Resources and Programs for Employees (internal resource)
- Correctional Service of Canada’s Mental Health Strategy on Workplace Wellness and Employee Well-Being (internal resource)
- EAP referral agents (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)
- TELUS Health (internal resource)
- Critical Incident Stress Management Program (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)
- PSPNET (internal resource)
- Office of the Ombuds for Workplace Well-being (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)
- 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline
Mental health is, and will always remain, a priority within our organization.
World Teachers' Day
Yesterday was World Teachers’ Day, an opportunity to recognize, thank and celebrate the tremendous work teachers do.
In the latest episode of Prisons Inside / Out, we hear from James, a teacher at Atlantic Institution and one of his students. James shares how he navigates learning in a correctional environment and the positive change he’s seen through his work.
Across the country, CSC educators like James provide inmates with the knowledge and skills they need to successfully reintegrate into society. This work is crucial to our mission of changing lives and protecting Canadians.
Next weekend is Thanksgiving long weekend. In the spirit of gratitude, I cannot thank you all enough for your service, commitment, and dedication. Special thanks to those of you working on Thanksgiving Day to maintain our operations and keep Canadians safe.
Please know that I am truly grateful for your hard work.
To those who can, please take the time to rest and enjoy moments with your loved ones.
Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.