Commissioner's Editorial

Improving CSC’s Values and Ethics Programs and Results

Across the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), our daily jobs differ tremendously, but every one of us faces at least one identical task: the just representation of our organization to the Canadian public. This means that every day, it is our collective duty as public servants to conduct ourselves with the highest possible standards of values and ethics.Wemust all act with integrity, responsibility, impartiality and professionalism—these qualities are absolutely imperative in maintaining the respect and trust of Canadians.

Strong values and ethics programs are fundamental in supporting our external reputation as a trusted partner in criminal justice,aswell as fulfilling our public safetymandate and sustaining our integrity as a public service organization. They are also necessary ingredients for a healthy work environment.Wemust always be guided in our work and professional conduct by a balanced framework of public service values: democratic, professional,ethical and people values.

Employee feedback from a variety of sources tells us that we can do better in this area.We recognize that we can improve our work environment, and have made it a priority to transform our organization and culture into one that incorporates values and ethics in every decision.

As Commissioner, I am deeply committed to doing whatever I can to improve CSC’s values and ethics programs. By improving our ethical climate,we are contributing to our corporate priority to strengthen management practices overall,which will ultimately make CSC a better organization.

This issue of Let’s Talk includes information about CSC’s initiatives to improve our values and ethics culture. For example, in fall 2006, we conducted 66 focus groups across the country, with approximately 400 staff participating. We responded to your feedback by introducing ethics awareness workshops for employees at all levels of the organization. The workshops provide staff with the knowledge and tools necessary to deal with ethically-charged situations. This values-based training will help staff to recognize ethical dilemmas and provide tools to resolve them.

We each have an opportunity to contribute to improving the ethical climate of our work environment. One way we can all do that is through effective communications. Fundamental elements of values and ethics, such as trust and respect are not possible without open, effective communication at all levels.

Managers have an opportunity to make a real difference through leading by example, and making clear decisions that demonstrate critical thinking, fairness and compassion for employees.

I hope that reading this magazine will make you stop and see your personal values and ethics approach through a new lens, and get you thinking about the role that values and ethics play in your everyday work. ♦

Keith Coulter
Commissioner
Correctional Service of Canada