Freedom of the City Procession Marks 180 Years of Corrections in Canada

KINGSTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 31, 2015) - Correctional Service of Canada

Editors Note: A photo for this release will be available on the Canadian Press picture wire via Marketwired.

Today, the City of Kingston officially granted the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) "Freedom of the City", a rare privilege given to valued members of the community or groups with historic ties to the area. In this case, the honour represents Kingston's appreciation of CSC's long-standing and dedicated service within the community.

In the spirit of tradition, CSC's Commissioner, Don Head, and numerous CSC staff marched several blocks to the front steps of Kingston City Hall, where Commissioner Head proceeded to formally request Freedom of the City from His Worship Bryan Paterson, Mayor of Kingston. After a line inspection of staff, Mayor Paterson granted Freedom of the City, and praised CSC for its service to the Kingston area, which precedes Canadian confederation.

Mayor Paterson also decreed every June 1^st as "Correctional Service of Canada Appreciation Day", in recognition of CSC's 180^th year of corrections in Canada, which began June 1^st, 1835 when Kingston Penitentiary first opened its doors.

During his remarks, CSC Commissioner Don Head thanked the City of Kingston for being supportive of the Correctional Service of Canada's public safety mandate, with multiple generations of Kingston families being dedicated employees of the Service at one time or another.

Quick Facts

• The Correctional Service Canada, then known as the Canadian Penitentiary Service, came into existence on June 1, 1835, with the admission of six inmates who were transferred from the local jail to the Provincial Penitentiary at Portsmouth (Kingston Penitentiary).

• Granting Freedom of the City is one of the most esteemed honours that a municipality can bestow upon a group or individual. It is often an honour reserved for military units, allowing them the freedom to parade through the city.

• This is the first time any Canadian correctional service has been awarded Freedom of the City in Canada since confederation.

Quotes

"We are proud to be a part of a lasting partnership with the City of Kingston; a partnership that predates confederation by over 30 years. In a sense, we've grown up together. The city and its residents have always been supportive of our public safety mandate and helping us get there, and for that we are truly grateful."

- Don Head, Commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada

"As Mayor it is a privilege to grant the honours of Freedom of the City to the Correctional Service of Canada as a valued community partner. Today we pay tribute to our strong and lasting partnership and celebrate the distinguished history of CSC as they mark their 180^th anniversary of corrections in Canada."

- His Worship Bryan Paterson, Mayor of the City of Kingston

Associated Links

• History of the Correctional Service of Canada: http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/about-us/006-0007-eng.shtml

• Beyond the Fence: A Virtual Tour of a Canadian Penitentiary: http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/csc-virtual-tour/

To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20150531-CSC800.jpg