by Edith Desnoyers, Project Officer, Citizen Engagement and Community Initiatives Division

After more than 30 years, Reverend Doctor Pierre Allard has retired from the Public Service. Pierre, as he is best known, has been a dedicated and passionate advocate for both corrections in Canada and around the world. His contributions throughout his career have greatly affected the field of corrections and have helped to build safer communities for all Canadians.

Pierre is a pioneering leader with outstanding vision and passion. His work in the field of community-based corrections and restorative justice helped to build partnerships with citizens, voluntary sector organizations, faith communities, academic and international institutions, and developing countries.

Nationally and internationally recognized champion for restorative justice, Pierre's approach brought together communities, offenders and victims, inspiring countless people to understand that "crime is a community affair". He has been a model for everyone who will continue to work in the field of corrections.

Among many achievements, Pierre created the Taylor Award, which recognizes annually the exceptional contributions of a CSC volunteer, as well as the National Volunteer Association (NVA). NVA members remain forever grateful for the determination he put in the establishment of this association, created to be a voice for volunteers. A model for those who continue to positively touch the lives of offenders, he will remain a tremendous source of inspiration through the powerful message he gave throughout his career, such as the following message he sent to the NVA.

"As I look back on my years in CSC, the creation of both the National Volunteers Association (NVA) and of the Taylor Award stand out as very special moments. Both affirm clearly that volunteers are not a nice appendix to the work of corrections but an essential part of it. The best formula for success is that volunteers help offenders create new social linkages while incarcerated and that volunteers are present to facilitate the difficult re-entry journey. G.K. Chesterton has said: 'We can concede to the mathematicians' that 2+2=4; but 1+1 is infinitely more than 2.' To have one ally for new beginnings can make an incredible difference. Thank you for all you have brought to me through the years; thank you for your generous commitment of time and talent. Keep your vision clear and continue to journey on challenging paths. Blessings on your life and work!"

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