Commissioner's Speeches Archives

OFFICIAL OPENING OF MOUNTAIN TOP HOUSE

Remarks by:

Lucie McClung
Commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada

Westmorland Institution
September 4, 2002
Dorchester, New Brunswick


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Honourable Mr. MacAulay, Members of Parliament, Mayors, Ladies and Gentlemen, and Members of the Board of Directors,

I am very pleased to be here with you today at the official opening of Mountain Top House and to have an opportunity to recognize the efforts of many.

Mountain Top House is a prime example of what can be achieved when people work together.

As you probably know, the mandate of the Correctional Service of Canada is to contribute to safe communities. And we do this by transforming the lives of people who have very serious problems and, for the most part, who have failed many social and other criminal justice systems in their past. But we must remember, as our Minister always reminds us and Canadians always remind us, offenders will one day return to the community. Our task is to have them return with fewer problems. Therefore, our interventions and programs must be aimed at reducing the risk of re-offending.

We know that our rehabilitative efforts are most efficient when they are made in a supportive context. But this support comes from you, comes from many corners, not just the Correctional Service of Canada. We cannot work in isolation. Building safe communities, as you fully know, involves the community.

And family support is an important factor in the successful reintegration of offenders. By helping inmates and citizens stay in contact, Mountain Top House will enhance the potential of offenders to safely reintegrate among us.

Another crucial factor is the support of the community itself. The support of the community makes it far easier for offenders to become, and remain, good citizens.

I am often reminded of a comment from the author Joseph Jaworski who said that: "In the 21^st century, relationship is the organizing principle of the Universe." When the Board of Directors was introduced just a few minutes ago, one may have thought: "My goodness, it takes many to do a fairly simple thing: building a house". But in the 21^st century, it does take many. The complexity in doing what people may see as a simple task involves the efforts of many.

The Correctional Service of Canada has a long tradition of working with the community and we must do more of it. We are fortunate and privileged to work with community organizations, with citizens, with people like you, who wish to maintain quality of life, yours and that of your fellow citizens. And we appreciate the exceptional contribution of people like you, of volunteers who give what most people do not have, of their time. It is greatly appreciated.

Mountain Top House is a perfect example of the commitment and compassion of community partners and citizens. It is also an example of the services that the Correctional Service of Canada directly provides to citizens.

A lot of people — and you have seen the list of people and the list of organizations — have contributed much of their time and resources to make this happen.

It will be easier for families to stay in touch with offenders. The support offenders receive from their families, and the support that the families will receive from the Correctional Service of Canada and from you, will make it easier to safeguard the quality of life in our communities. And that is what Canadians want, that is what we are all about. These are the partnerships that are required to safeguard the quality of life for every citizen in this country.

In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to simply say: Thank you.