Intergovernmental relations at CSC
Correctional Service Canada (CSC) fosters collaboration with federal, provincial, territorial, and international partners to support public safety and advance correctional practices.
CSC plays a strategic role in the corrections and conditional release systems by strengthening relationships across jurisdictions, facilitating the exchange of information, and promoting effective, evidence-informed approaches to corrections. CSC monitors policy developments and emerging trends to support planning and operations.
On this page
Key areas of focus
- Coordinating intergovernmental meetings and working groups
- Supporting international visits and knowledge-sharing initiatives
- Providing strategic advice and materials to support collaboration
- Leading or contributing to international cooperation efforts
- Partnerships and a commitment to innovation and correctional excellence in Canada and around the world
Guiding principles
- Engagement – Build and maintain meaningful partnerships across jurisdictions
- Diplomacy – Foster respectful and effective collaboration
- Innovation – Support modern, responsive correctional approaches
- Openness – Promote transparency and cultural sensitivity
- Flexibility – Adapt to evolving priorities and operational realities
Domestic relations
CSC works closely with provincial and territorial partners to strengthen Canada’s correctional system, enhance public safety, and support collaboration across jurisdictions to improve the delivery of correctional programs and services.
Exchange of Service Agreements
CSC maintains Exchange of Service Agreements (ESAs) with all provinces and territories to enable the sharing of correctional services, including institutional placements, community supervision, programming, and information. ESAs help ensure continuity of care and support integrated approaches to offender management across jurisdictions.
Heads of Corrections meetings
CSC coordinates the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Heads of Corrections (HOC) meetings, which bring together senior correctional leaders from across Canada. This forum provides strategic leadership and facilitates dialogue on emerging issues, policy development, and operational priorities in corrections.
Contact us
For more information about domestic partnerships or the Heads of Corrections committee, please contact by email at HOC-RSC.GEN-NHQ@CSC-SCC.GC.CA
International relations
CSC engages with international partners to advance correctional practices and promote public safety through collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Delegation visits
CSC receives requests from international correctional jurisdictions, organizations, and institutions for delegation visits, study tours, and research engagements. These visits provide opportunities to share information, explore correctional approaches, and strengthen global partnerships.
CSC assesses each request based on operational feasibility, availability of staff, and alignment with strategic priorities. When a visit is confirmed, CSC works with the requesting delegation to develop a tailored agenda that reflects their interests and objectives.
Information sharing and collaboration
CSC is a recognized member of the international corrections community. CSC facilitates the exchange of information and expertise with international counterparts, supporting mutual learning and innovation in correctional policy and operations.
Each year, CSC responds to approximately 80–120 international requests for information on correctional practices, policies, and programs. These exchanges contribute to global knowledge and inform CSC’s own planning and development.
CSC also receives inquiries from foreign governments regarding nationals who may be incarcerated in Canada.
International public safety
CSC plays an active role in advancing international public safety through collaboration, dialogue, and the exchange of correctional expertise. As a recognized contributor to the global corrections community, CSC builds relationships with other countries to share knowledge and strengthen approaches to offender rehabilitation and reintegration.
CSC’s international engagement reflects Canada’s commitment to transparency, respect for diversity, and the advancement of effective correctional practices worldwide. It is focused on:
- Sharing information on correctional policies, programs, and operations
- Supporting multilateral efforts to improve correctional systems worldwide
- Contributing to global initiatives that promote human rights, transparency, and effective correctional practices
CSC works in partnership with Canadian and international organizations, including Global Affairs Canada, Public Safety Canada, and the United Nations, to support peacebuilding, capacity development, and justice sector reform
For more information
Contact us by email at NHQ.Intergovernmental-Intergouvernemental.AC@csc-scc.gc.ca.
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