Correctional Service Canada
Symbol of the Government of Canada

Common menu bar links

Warning This Web page has been archived on the Web.

Vol. 34, No. 1

Previous  |  Table of Contents  |  Next ]

I am happy to congratulate each of you at the Correctional Service of Canada on the 30th anniversary of the re-naming of the organization.

You should all be proud of the Correctional Service of Canada’s strong tradition of contributing to Canadians’ public safety through the work that you do in the community, in the institutions, and through the headquarters.

The Correctional Service of Canada continues to play an important role in the government’s efforts to keep communities safe and to keep Canadians safe. Not enough thanks is given for all the work that you do on a daily basis to assist those struggling with mental illness. How we treat our mentally ill goes to the very heart of what this country is all about and the values of compassion, sympathy and caring which all of us as Canadians cherish. All too often this work falls on your shoulders.

I will continue to raise this issue in forums on crime, justice and corrections as I did when I recently met with my provincial and territorial counterparts at the New Brunswick federal/provincial/territorial meeting. At that meeting we made real progress in acknowledging that more work needs to be done in the area of mental health.

I am proud of the accomplishments of the Correctional Service of Canada and your commitment to helping make Canadian communities safer. I am confident that the current Transformation Agenda will enhance the Correctional Service of Canada’s contribution to public safety by building upon the solid foundation each of you has been instrumental in creating.

Corrections Exemplary Service Medal and Bar

I also want to congratulate the Commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada Don Head on receiving the Corrections Exemplary Service Medal and Bar. Canada’s Exemplary Service Medals recognize men and women dedicated to preserving Canada’s public safety through long and outstanding service. In 1998, Don received his Corrections Exemplary Service Medal, having completed 20 years of exemplary full-time service with one or more correctional services in Canada, including 10 years as a peace officer in an institution, parole office or probation office. This year, he will receive a Corrections Exemplary Service Bar to add to his medal, recognizing his 30 years of outstanding service. I’m sure you all join me in congratulating Don and thanking him for his outstanding contributions to public safety in Canada.

Previous  |  Table of Contents  |  Next ]