Today, Talal Dakalbab, the Commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), issued the following statement:
"I welcome the Office of the Correctional Investigator's (OCI) 53rd Annual Report. Its 10-year review gives us an important opportunity to look honestly at where federal corrections has made progress, and where we still have work to do. The report examines several important areas, including conditions of confinement, health care, Indigenous corrections, women's corrections, and rehabilitation and reintegration.
CSC values the OCI's independent oversight. External reviews help us see where changes are working, and where the experience on the ground may not yet match what our policies are intended to achieve. We will carefully review the report's findings and continue to work openly and constructively with the OCI.
Over the past decade, CSC has made changes in several important areas. These reforms include Structured Intervention Units, stronger oversight of dry cell placements, body scanner technology, a dedicated policy on sexual coercion and violence, and improvements to complaints and grievance processes. CSC has also strengthened health and mental health services, expanded substance-use treatment and harm reduction, and developed new ways of responding to the needs of an aging population in federal custody. The OCI review also notes progress in areas such as digital education, Indigenous leadership and Pathways initiatives, harm reduction measures, modernization of health services, and stronger responses to sexual coercion and violence.
Addressing the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples remains one of CSC's most important priorities. CSC continues to work with Indigenous communities and organizations to improve access to Healing Lodges, section 84 release planning, Pathways initiatives, Elders and culturally responsive interventions. These partnerships are essential to ensuring Indigenous perspectives and approaches are reflected not only in policy, but in the day-to-day experience of those in our care.
CSC is also advancing women-centred and trauma-informed corrections, digital education, targeted strategies for Black offenders and individuals serving life sentences, and stronger community partnerships. These advancements help people maintain the supports they need as they prepare to return to the community.
When serious incidents or deaths occur in custody, we also have a responsibility to learn from them and act on those lessons. CSC continues to strengthen investigations, family liaison services, suicide prevention and the follow-through and implementation of corrective measures.
The OCI's ten-year review is a reminder that meaningful change in corrections does not happen overnight. It requires sustained effort, clear accountability and making sure changes made at the national level are felt in institutions and communities across the country.
CSC has made progress, but we know there are areas where we need to do better. We will continue to draw upon evidence, professional expertise, the experiences and perspectives of people directly affected by the correctional system, and constructive external oversight to improve our policies, practices and outcomes.
I would also like to thank Interim Correctional Investigator Valerie Phillips for her leadership and collaboration during this period of transition for the OCI, and welcome David Paradiso as Correctional Investigator. We look forward to continuing our constructive work with the Office in the years ahead.
I am proud of the work CSC employees and partners carry out each day, and I remain committed to building on this progress. At the heart of that work is our core responsibility: protecting Canadians by supporting safe and humane custody, effective rehabilitation and the safe reintegration of federally sentenced individuals."
