Making the Relationship Work

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) works with faith community partners on a contract basis, which enables CSC to deliver on chaplaincy-related obligations. Chaplains are not direct employees of CSC; they are employees of their faith communities.

In order to help clarify roles within the Chaplaincy contracting model, CSC launched the Enhanced Partnership Model (EPM) initiative in 2009.  It was initiated to reinvigorate the relationships between the four main partners: The Interfaith Committee on Chaplaincy, religious authorities, chaplains, and CSC.

The EPM initiative provided clarification on the roles of each partner group and their responsibilities, while promoting greater cooperation and communication among them.  This ensures that each partner is involved in the decision-making process, utilizing the strengths and expertise of each party.  These decision-making processes will include standards for chaplain selection, review and evaluation of chaplaincy ministry and spiritual service delivery.

In 2010, consultations began across Canada with partners to strengthen relationships and implement a plan of action.  After these initial consultations, 12 individuals were selected to be part of a "Guiding Team" to move the new model to the next level.

At the National Chaplaincy Conference 2011 in Toronto, the EPM Guiding Team launched their final report.  The report includes a description of the principles of implementing the partnership model, as well as recommendations on how the partnership model can be implemented.