Commissioner's Directive

POLICY OBJECTIVES

1. To ensure the Correctional Service of Canada's capability to make effective and timely decisions when it is involved in a coroner's inquest.

2. To provide personal, professional and legal assistance to staff members concerned.

RESPONSIBILITIES

3. Responsibilities in relation to coroner's inquests involving the Service shall be as follows:

1. National Headquarters:
   1. securing of Department of Justice counsel to represent the Service (Legal Services);
   2. liaison with the Minister's office (Executive Services);
   3. formulation of responses to the jury's recommenda-tions (Audit and Investigations);
   4. monitoring of follow-up on the jury's recommendations (Audit and Investigations); and
2. Regional Headquarters:
   1. initial notification of Legal Services at National Headquarters and provision of necessary background information and documents;
   2. co-ordination of communications, support services to staff and technical assistance to litigation counsel;
   3. transmittal of the jury's recommendations to National Headquarters.

4. The "Guidelines for Provision of Support Services at Coroner's Inquests" detail the processes for carrying out the above responsibilities. Adherence to these guidelines is essential in cases where a coroner's inquest is expected to achieve national prominence.

Original signed by
Ole Ingstrup, Commissioner,