Marc-Arthur Hyppolite

Mr. Hyppolite was appointed to the post of Senior Deputy Commissioner (SDC) in November 2008. The SDC is the most senior operational person and second in command, next to the Commissioner, in the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC). Mr. Hyppolite has frequently been called upon to act as Commissioner during his absence.

From January 2004 to October 2008, he served as Regional Deputy Commissioner, Prairie Region and as Assistant Commissioner, Correctional Operations and Programs (ACCOP). Of particular note, Mr. Hyppolite has also managed the Special Handling Unit (SHU) as a national institution on behalf of the Service. The SHU is the most structured and highest security institution in the country and designated to handle the most complex violent and high-profile offenders in the country (i.e., organized crime, gangs, terrorists, etc…)

Mr. Hyppolite is also called upon to lead and handle delicate and sensitive files and special initiatives at the request of the Commissioner (i.e., Correctional Officer Deployment Standards, Information Management Services, Aboriginal Initiatives Directorate, Incident Investigations, radicalization of groups and various gang phenomena.)

Mr. Hyppolite is a fervent believer in the fundamental principle of social justice. He personally strives toward excellence in public service in order to contribute to the maintenance of a just, peaceful, prosperous, safe and secure society, where every Canadian, without exception, can fulfill their hopes, dreams and aspirations through hard work, dedication and perseverance.

Mr. Hyppolite provided leadership and played a key role in the establishment and evolution of Aboriginal Agreements relating to the custody, supervision and rehabilitation of First Nations’ People. He also successfully implemented specific missions in relation to after-care agencies in the community. He has often been recognized for his contribution by the officials in various communities. In fact, in 2010, Mr. Hyppolite was recognized, along with other dignitaries, for his leadership, outstanding work and dedication to the Aboriginal people of Alberta.

As the first Black Canadian to be appointed to the positions of Deputy Warden, Warden, Regional Deputy Commissioner, ACCOP and SDC, Mr. Hyppolite is a champion and inclusive role model for many ethno-cultural Canadians from various backgrounds. He has made significant contributions to promoting diversity on various aspects, both within CSC and within the wider public service. He has served on various regional and national committees on criminal justice, public service renewal and other Assistant Deputy Minister level committees. He also served as a member of the organizing committee for the ADM Forum. He has successfully worked and tackled a series of complex issues within Aboriginal communities, where he receives tremendous respect and recognition for his work and achievements.

Over the course of his 26 years of service, 13 years has been as an Executive with CSC. Mr. Hyppolite has held a variety of senior management positions within the Public Safety Ministry, both community corrections and federal correctional facilities across the country. Prior to joining CSC, Mr. Hyppolite worked on special assignments with federal departments and provincial governments in Québec and Ontario.

Marc-Arthur Hyppolite earned a B.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Ottawa. He has completed two years work towards a Master's degree in criminology at the University of Ottawa and he is also fluently bilingual.

Many partners, stakeholders and colleagues, both within the law enforcement communities and outside of it, have recognized his leadership and achievements on several fronts, from which he received an award from the Alberta Association of Chiefs’ of Police. He was a recipient of the 2005 Public Service Award for excellence in official languages.

Mr. Hyppolite describes his participation in the Advanced Leadership Program as one of the key events that has occurred in his career.