April 8, 2026: Community Employment Coordinators (CECs) have served as specialized reintegration federal employees within the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC). They are responsible for connecting federally supervised offenders to employment opportunities, coordinating employer relationships, and supporting case management teams in managing employment-related risk factors.
Under the Comprehensive Expenditure Review, every CEC position (total = 25) within CSC is being eliminated as a cost saving measure. CSC has said that the work undertaken by CECs, which has been handled by those in the CEC position for decades, can now suddenly be absorbed by other community-based employment agencies funded by ESDC.
USJE has serious concerns that many employees working in community-based agencies will have little to no experience supporting the complex integration needs of federal offenders who have served significant time in federal penitentiaries, many of whom have supervision conditions that mandate efforts to seek and maintain employment.
In particular, USJE members who have worked as CECs or closely with them have raised concerns about the following:
- Decrease in successful employment outcomes for federally supervised offenders
- Reduced capacity to monitor employment as a reintegration indicator
- Increased strain on federal Parole Officers and Case Management Teams
- Greater reliance on external community agencies that lack CSC-specific expertise
- Increased risk of destabilization and recidivism during community reintegration
These risks are particularly significant and contradictory when considered alongside the Federal Framework to Reduce Recidivism. This framework was developed by the Liberal government in 2021-2022 following a motion adopted by all parties in the House of Commons. It was launched by then Public Safety Minister, the Hon. Mendicino, and was designed to identify areas and strategies to reduce recidivism, one of the primary targets being employment and income stability.
Consequently, from USJE’s perspective, the removal of the Community Employment Coordinator position poses a risk to the Government of Canada’s capacity to fulfil the federal objectives related to public safety, rehabilitation, and the commitment to reducing recidivism.
Employment is widely recognized as one of the strongest protective factors against reoffending. Without dedicated, specialized employment support, federal offenders may face prolonged unemployment or unstable work arrangements.
Feedback from CECs who are on the front line and those familiar with the role indicate that the elimination of the role could result in fewer employment placements, longer job search periods, increased financial instability and reduced prosocial engagement.
Reduced Access to Employment Opportunities:
Those working as CECs have fostered relationships with and maintained diverse networks of employers who are willing to hire individuals with criminal records and histories. Instead, offenders may have to rely on general job boards where criminal record screening often limits opportunities. CECs foster networks that are built over years of relationship-building and trust.
This loss of employer engagement may significantly reduce access to employment opportunities for federally supervised offenders.
Background: Role of Community Employment Coordinators:
Community Employment Coordinators provide targeted employment services to offenders under federal supervision in the community. Their role bridges the gap between federally incarcerated individuals and their participation in the labour market upon release from federal Institutions. CEC staff conduct individualized employment assessments to identify:
- vocational skills
- education levels
- employment barriers
- labour market opportunities
These assessments inform individualized employment action plans tailored to offender needs and supervision conditions.
i. Job Search and Employment Preparation: CECs assist offenders in preparing for employment by providing resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, job search coaching and workplace behaviour training.
Of note, many offenders require intensive one-on-one assistance due to limited employment history, low literacy levels, or long periods of incarceration.
ii. Employer Engagement:
CECs develop and maintain relationships with employers willing to hire individuals with criminal records. These networks are critical for overcoming employer reluctance and stigma associated with hiring formerly incarcerated individuals.
CECs also assist employers by:
- addressing concerns regarding criminal history
- facilitating disclosure conversations
- coordinating workplace accommodations
- ensuring compliance with release conditions
iii. Risk Management and Case Coordination:
CECs work closely with Case Management Teams to ensure employment placements are compatible with supervision conditions. This includes ensuring compliance with restrictions related to:
- internet and technology use
- curfews
- travel boundaries
- contact restrictions
- victim notification requirements
This coordination helps prevent unintended breaches of parole conditions.
iv. Post-Placement Support:
CECs provide ongoing follow-up with both offenders and employers after employment is secure. This support helps address workplace issues early and promotes job retention. Maintaining employment is often as challenging as securing a job, particularly for individuals facing complex reintegration barriers.
The Mandate of the federal Correctional Service Canada
CSC is responsible for administering federal sentences of two years or more and supporting the safe reintegration of offenders, most of whom will transition back into communities across Canada after serving time in federal penitentiaries.
Community supervision is undertaken by Parole Officers (POs) and supported by numerous critical reintegration and intervention roles, including the Community Employment Coordinator, known collectively as Case Management Teams (CMTs).
Community reintegration services frequently include:
- employment and education support
- mental health services
- community partnerships
- programming
- religious and/or cultural support
- risk monitoring and compliance oversight
Within this framework, Community Employment Coordinators play a specialized role focused specifically on employment reintegration.
Context: The Federal Framework to Reduce Recidivism
The Federal Framework to Reduce Recidivism, developed and overseen by Public Safety Canada, establishes a coordinated national approach to addressing the root causes of reoffending among individuals involved in the criminal justice system. The Framework identifies several key determinants of successful reintegration, including:
- Employment and income stability
- Education and vocational training
- Stable housing
- Access to social and community supports
- Mental health and addiction treatment
The 2025 Progress Report on the Federal Framework to Reduce Recidivism highlights that employment is one of the most significant protective factors associated with reduced reoffending.
Research consistently demonstrates that individuals who obtain stable employment following release from custody are less likely to return to criminal activity. Employment contributes to reintegration by:
- providing structure and routine
- improving financial stability
- strengthening pro-social identity
- fostering community connections
As a result, employment programs represent a core component of federal reintegration approaches.