Government Recognizes Correctional Services Week

Correctional Services employees are being celebrated this week for dedication to their work and building safer communities in Nova Scotia.

Correctional Services Week runs until Saturday, May 9, and recognizes the exceptional efforts of dedicated, loyal and conscientious staff, agencies and partners who have demonstrated they deserve special recognition.

Justice Minister Lena Metlege Diab presented staff recognition awards today, May 5, at a ceremony held at the Delta Barrington in Halifax.

"The work of the correctional staff is not easy, but it is extremely important," said Ms. Diab. "Every day these employees work with some of our citizens that are in conflict with the law. This requires great skill, professionalism and commitment."

Recipients are being recognized for making a positive impact on the correctional system and directly contributing to the safety and security of our communities. The awards handed out today recognized community partnerships, quality service, innovation, leadership and bravery.

This year, some very important milestones were reached in Correctional Services.

The Northeast Nova Scotia Correctional Facility was opened in Pictou County and has helped to reduce crowding at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility in Dartmouth. Community Corrections Probation Officers continue to provide adult and youth offender programs and work closely with specialized courts for mental health and addictions. Staff also work with partners in other departments and communities to achieve a common goal of offender education, rehabilitation and reintegration. The Nova Scotia Youth Facility and Community Corrections employees are also working as part of teams targeting high risk youth on community supervision.