Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day

Revitalizing and Renewing Public Confidence in our Federal Correctional System

This special edition of Let’s Talk comes at an important and exciting time for the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC). I hope this issue provides you with the focus, inspiration and direction needed to energize yourselves for the road that lies ahead, as I will be relying on your expertise, experience and enthusiasm as we work together to build a stronger correctional system.

I often say that the first responsibility of government is the safety and security of its citizens, and I am proud to say that the Government of Canada has made a commitment to enhance public safety. As a result, on April 20, 2007, I appointed an Independent Review Panel to assess CSC’s operational priorities, strategies and business plans, with the ultimate goal of enhancing public safety.

CSC has always made significant contributions to Canadians’ sense of personal and community safety. Now that the Panel has completed its in-depth review and issues have been addressed in Budget 2008, I believe that CSC has a clear direction to reform our corrections system in a manner that holds offenders accountable for their actions and better protects the safety of CSC staff. Many of the recommendations in fact came about from the advice of you who work within the system.

The Panel Report lays out 109 recommendations to help transform our current system, and I am confident that, in collaboration with our criminal justice partners, CSC will deliver the desired results as it moves ahead with a robust first phase of implementation. These changes will better equip and position CSC to maximize its contributions to public safety over the long-term.

As we endeavour to transform our correctional system, it brings me great comfort to know that I can count on the support of such a solid and committed team of personnel to help move this complex agenda forward. I commend you for the level of professionalism that I have seen you demonstrate in performing your very challenging and important work.

As Minister of Public Safety, I want to thank you for all of your past and present contributions to public safety. I look forward to the great strides we will continue to make together, to maintain the confidence of Canadians well into the future.  ♦