What we do

CSC works to develop and implement national and regional policies and initiatives aimed at addressing the ethnocultural minority group of offenders in federal corrections. This includes:

  • Increasing ethnocultural offender's access to CSC's programs and services;
  • Encouraging the existence of Ethnocultural Services Committees within institutions;
  • Working with CSC sectors, departments, advisory committees, jurisdictions and agencies to develop ethnocultural specific initiatives, policies and projects;
  • Creating partnerships with, and encouraging, ethnocultural communities and professionals to deliver ethnocultural-specific initiatives inside institutions and in communities;
  • Supporting ethnocultural inmates with job training, job searching, and connecting with role models;
  • Facilitating the organization of cultural awareness activities (Asian Heritage and Black History Month, Ramadan, etc.) for offenders and staff, such as lunch and learns, presentations, and more;
  • Providing advice and expertise to strengthen ethnocultural community capacities to develop strategies and initiatives for reintegrating offenders to the community; and
  • Providing leadership on ethnocultural issues.

The agency also coordinates visits by members of the National and Regional Ethnocultural Advisory Committees (NEAC and REAC).

CSC also provides Second- language training and interpretation services for offenders unable to communicate in English or French effectively. Second-language training in institutions ensures that inmates with linguistic difficulties have sufficient language skills to participate in the correctional programs. Additionally, a list of employees who can speak different languages and are able to serve as interpreters is maintained to help offenders during incarceration and at parole hearings. The following information guides and pamphlets have been made available in an array of non-official languages to help offenders, their families, and community groups:

Current CSC programs related to multiculturalism or cultural diversity includes:

  • Designated institutional and Community Ethnocultural Coordinators
  • Staff Training and Awareness
  • Cultural specific interventions and services for offenders from diverse ethnic backgrounds
  • Human Resource programs
  • National Employment Equity and Diversity Committee (EEDC)
  • Programs related to anti-racism
  • Programs aimed at building intercultural understanding
  • Initiatives to promote exchanges and cooperation between diverse communities of Canada
  • Community Relations
  • Victim Services
  • Initiatives related to the use of language skills and cultural understanding
  • CSC staff as interpreters
  • Communication tools for ethnocultural offenders