News Releases

CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEES TO CORRECTIONAL SERVICE OF CANADA CHOOSE NEW CHAIRPERSON

Ottawa — November 25, 2003 - Sean Taylor has been elected as the Chairperson of the National Executive Committee of the Citizens' Advisory Committees to the Correctional Service of Canada. Mr. Taylor is taking over from Dr. Charles Leblanc Emmrys, who had been the chairperson since 2001. The election took place at the 2003 Annual Conference, which took place in Ottawa from November 21-23, 2003.

Sean Taylor has been involved with Citizens' Advisory Committees for over 10 years, having been the Prairie Regional Chair, and most recently the Vice-Chairperson of the National Executive Committee. Mr. Taylor brings experience both with the criminal justice system and with community relations to the Chair, as he is community liaison officer with the Saskatoon Police Service.

Dr. Charles Leblanc Emmrys had been the Chairperson of the Executive Committee since 2001. During his tenure the number of CACs and their national presence has increased significantly, and CAC Awareness Week has been established. Dr. Emmrys will continue to work with his local CAC.

"The Correctional Service of Canada would like to extend our appreciation to Dr. Emmrys for his years of dedication to Citizens' Advisory Committees," said Correctional Service of Canada Commissioner Lucie McClung. "We look forward to working with Mr. Taylor for the years to come, and continuing to build upon the strong relationship and cooperation between the CSC and our CACs."

Citizens' Advisory Committees are autonomous committees that reflect the interest of citizens in contributing to the quality of Canada's federal correctional services and programs. The mission of each CAC is to contribute to the protection of society by interacting with staff of the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), the public and offenders by providing impartial advice and recommendations about correctional services and by acting as a liaison with the community.

More than 500 citizens comprise about 90 CACs across Canada. Members represent various social, cultural, and demographic backgrounds and occupations, and usually reside in proximity to the correctional facility for which the committee serves. Members are appointed for a period of two years by the CSC.

For Information

Michele Pilon-Santilli
Media Relations
Correctional Service of Canada
(613) 943-2573