Standing Committee on Public Accounts

HOUSE OF COMMONS CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES OTTAWA, CANADA K1A 0A6

Comité permanent des comptes publics

For immediate release

Ottawa, June 16, 2009 -

Correctional Service Canada needs to improve the economy and efficiency of its operations, according to a report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts presented in the House of Commons today.

Correctional Service Canada (CSC) is responsible for the custody and care of criminal offenders sentenced by the courts to serve two years or more. In 2007-2008, CSC’s budget was $1.87 billion, of which $570 million was spent on guarding prisoners and $72 million was spent on food, cleaning and clothing.

The Office of the Auditor General of Canada (OAG) conducted an audit of whether CSC managed its resources with sufficient attention to economy and efficiency. Overall, the OAG concluded that CSC focuses much of its effort on safety and security and does not pay sufficient attention to economy and efficiency.

The Committee was troubled that CSC had not given sufficient analysis and attention to economy and efficiency in managing its operations. At the same time, the Committee was concerned that an abrupt change from local to national procurement could have significant adverse effects in some communities. The Committee concluded CSC appears to be taking the recommendations of the OAG seriously and is undertaking changes to incorporate economy and efficiency into management decision-making.

The Committee recommended that CSC improve the economy and efficiency of its procurement by adopting best practices for procurement used by organizations in both the public and private sectors, and that CSC analyze the impact of its procurement practices on local economies and the environment.