National Executive Committee Reports

Reflections on Partners Day

By Ron Joiner, Chair, National Executive Committee of Citizen Advisory Committees.

Vice Chair Bernard Tremblay and I were invited to the second annual Partners' Day in Cornwall in mid September this year. This was the second year in a row that the Executive Development Symposium for senior managers reserved one day for an opportunity to spend time with over 60 partners, representing agencies across Canada. The partners who are private and public agencies have unique and special relationships with CSC either by providing a direct service, or advice. We were made to feel very welcomed by Commissioner Head who expressed his appreciation of the longstanding dedication and commitment of all CSC partners.

Following opening remarks, we attended workshops focusing on an integrated approach for safe integration (women offenders, Aboriginal offenders, offenders with mental health issues, high risk offenders) and at the end of the day we gathered together as a large group to hear a forum discussion on employment and employability. It seemed to me that the partners who represented various agencies all across Canada were appreciative of the opportunity to engage in discussion with CSC managers. It was also apparent, from my point of view, that CSC managers see their relationship with partners as an important link in the reintegration of offenders. Throughout the day all partners were invited to participate in open and constructive discussions with CSC managers and it was clearly evident that the marriage of public and private agencies working together and engaged in discussion was both refreshing and productive.

We both came away with a better understanding not only of the close relationship that Citizen Advisory Committees have with Correctional Service Canada but also its critical association with its key partners across Canada.