Corrections Canada disciplines employees for 400 misconduct cases, 12 fired

Patches are seen on the arm and shoulder of a corrections officer at an institution in Abbotsford, B.C., on Oct. 26, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Canada’s federal prison agency has recorded 400 cases of discipline for employee misconduct and wrongdoing that ranges from sleeping on duty to sexual harassment and excessive use of force.

Twelve of these misconduct cases resulted in termination, which was the most severe consequence. Causes for termination included bringing contraband into institutions, engaging in sexual acts in the workplace, and associating “with individuals with criminality” outside of professional duties.

The disciplinary measures were revealed in Correctional Service of Canada’s first Annual Report on Addressing Wrongdoing and Misconduct, which was published on Thursday. The report covers the 2024-25 fiscal year, which runs from April 2024 to the end of March 2025.

“Breaches of conduct are addressed effectively, regardless of position, to ensure fairness and accountability,” Corrections Canada Commissioner Anne Kelly said in the report’s introduction. “Despite our efforts, wrongdoing and misconduct can occur, impacting [Correctional Service of Canada’s] reputation and public trust.”

Misconduct resulting in discipline also included insubordination, inappropriate touching, sharing protected information with offenders and being absent without permission. According to the report, excessive use of force accounted for most cases.

In addition to the 12 terminations, other disciplinary measures included 72 oral reprimands, 189 written reprimands, 124 suspensions without pay, one financial penalty and two demotions. Some employees received more than one disciplinary measure. More than 100 additional misconduct investigations were incomplete in the period covered by the report.

Correctional Service of Canada is the federal agency responsible for managing adult offenders who are serving sentences of two years or more. The agency oversees federal prisons and supervises offenders who are under conditional release in the community.

As of March 31, 2025, it had 18,902 employees, making Correctional Service of Canada the fifth largest federal department or agency in terms of personnel numbers. Approximately 13,500 employees are in front-line roles, including correctional and parole officers.

In an email to CTVNews.ca, a Correctional Service of Canada spokesperson declined to provide details on specific misconduct cases.

“Protecting the safety and security of our institutions, staff, inmates, and the public is the Correctional Service of Canada’s top priority,” the spokesperson said. “In accordance with the Privacy Act, we are unable to provide any further comment on specific cases involving employees.”

In 2024, Ottawa directed federal departments and agencies to begin creating annual reports on misconduct and wrongdoing.

Reports that have already been filed show employees have been terminated or disciplined for misconduct at federal bodies like Statistics Canada, Global Affairs Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.