Mr. Speaker, in October 2024, Correctional Service Canada participated in the 39th Canadian Criminal Justice Association Congress, as it has done for well over a decade now through a long-standing partnership. This year's conference was on reconciliation, and the theme was “Moving Forward Together: Exploring Pathways to Reconciliation, Healing and Public Safety”. Given one of CSC’s priorities is addressing the overrepresentation of indigenous offenders, CSC deemed it was important it be actively involved to further its commitments under the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
CSC leveraged this opportunity to have executive committee members, 18 in total, attend the congress as well as hold their in-person executive committee meeting, which took place the day after the conference ended, at no additional cost for a meeting room. Participants stayed in campus-like accommodations at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and, during the conference, meals were included and not claimed by participants. Considering that the event took place less than a month ago, total costs are not yet available and disclosure of information at this time could lead to incorrect information being provided.
In accordance with the Access to Information Act, CSC proactively discloses travel and hospitality expenses for senior officers. The travel and hospitality expenses related to this event will be proactively disclosed on the Open Government portal within the timelines prescribed by the act.