Previous Recipients of the Emerson Douyon Multiculturalism Award

Hamza Al-Baghdadi – June 2012

Al-Baghdadi has demonstrated his commitment to multiculturalism through his daily duties as a Community Parole Officer. His contribution in promoting initiatives that support CSC in the successful reintegration of Ethnocultural offenders has helped to engage discussion on multiculturalism and diversity within CSC.

Mr. Al-Baghdadi's passion has not only assisted in the reintegration of ethnic minority offenders, but has also promoted multicultural understanding and awareness, both within CSC and the public. He understands the challenges endured by Ethnocultural offenders and has been able to use his background as a visible minority to relate to, and seek solutions for, the cultural and religious needs and concerns faced by this group.

Having worked as a Community Parole Officer in two of Canada's highly diverse metropolises, Toronto and Ottawa, Mr. Al-Baghdadi has endeavoured to expand his knowledge of different cultures and gain a deeper understanding of the impact that cultural and language barriers can have on community supervision. His exemplary approach to helping CSC fulfil its public safety mandate in the past year has also included the reaching out to Ethnocultural communities and the writing of articles aimed at cultivating understanding between cultures.

Mr. Al-Baghdadi has worked actively to ensure that CSC has a greater appreciation for diversity, not only within the organization but also in society at large. Hamza is recognized for encouraging ethnic harmony between staff, offenders, and Ethnocultural communities, thereby contributing to our public safety mandate.

Dave Varis – June 2011

Varis, of the Addictions Research Centre, dedicates his career and life to raising awareness of Aboriginal cultures. He has significantly improved cross-cultural understanding and race relations between CSC and key Aboriginal non-governmental organizations, and among his colleagues. Dave was born and raised in Manitoba and is very proud of his dual ancestry - Scandinavian descent and Peguis First Nation of Cree ancestry. One of his most significant contributions to cultural awareness has been his leadership in the development and implementation of the high and moderate intensity Aboriginal Offenders Substance Abuse Program.

Through these programs, Dave has raised awareness of Aboriginal issues surrounding addiction and the importance of culturally-specific forms of intervention. His efforts have also resulted in a lasting relationship between CSC and Aboriginal organizations such as the Assembly of First Nations, the Congress of Aboriginal People, and the Native Women's Association of Canada. Dave has shared the personal importance of his Aboriginal heritage, the values he has learned and, in the process, solidified relationships with the Aboriginal community. He has rightfully earned his designation as the Aboriginal Champion of the research branch and therefore deserves the Multiculturalism Award for his promotion of Aboriginal culture and values.

Ronnie Gill – June 2011

As a former Regional Manager of Ethnocultural Services, Ronnie Gill has had a significant impact on the Pacific Region. She has made contributions towards enhancing the importance of cultural identities and being a voice to create recognition of this initiative within CSC. Her work provides a message of inclusiveness with the importance of understanding the unique cultural differences of staff and inmates. In the last year, Ms. Gill has spoken at various community and senior management meetings with the purpose of educating staff on policy pertaining to Ethnocultural Offender Programs and bringing awareness to the projected demographic changes. Through her work on these issues, she has attracted and involved individuals with similar visions and has the ability to motivate people to make a difference. The work of creating an inclusive organization is driven by her passion and the Pacific Region has seen the positive effects since she got involved. She was able to provide the support and direction to the new members of the regional Employment Equity and Diversity Committee and has worked actively to ensure that the organization has a greater appreciation for a diverse workforce.

Dr. Emerson Douyon – June 2010

 Dr. Emerson Douyon is a Psychologist and retired Professor in the Faculty of Criminology at the Université de Montréal and has chaired the national and regional ethnocultural advisory committees (NEAC/REAC) for the last 10 years. During that time, he led these two committees to help advance the portfolio of the Ethnocultural Section. He chaired every meeting with the Assistant Commissioner of Correctional Programs and Operations and, for the past year, the Commissioner. Despite his precarious health, he never fails to do his duty and always attends committee meetings. Dr. Douyon says that the idea of making an effort, even if it is unsuccessful, has inspired and guided him throughout his life.

He also chairs the Regional Ethnocultural Advisory Committee (REAC), where he helps the Quebec region organize and coordinate activities for offenders from ethnocultural minorities and tries to raise awareness of multiculturalism issues among offenders and staff. In all these years of volunteering within CSC, Dr. Douyon has often advised the Regional Deputy Commissioner on programs and services for ethnocultural offenders in the Quebec region. He helped make CSC aware of the special needs of this client group and increased its understanding of cultural diversity.

Mr. Douyon will retired to in July 2011 to make way for a new generation, but he has agreed to pass on his corporate memory in a book that he will write on a voluntray basis for CSC, Le passé, le présent et le futur du Comité consultatif ethnoculturel national et régional [The past, present and future of the national and regional ethnocultural advisory committees], which will be his last project for CSC. This initiative will help him leave his mark and fulfill CSC's mandate for the reintegration of ethnocultural offenders.