1. 

Fostering Communication Within and About the Criminal Justice Field

2010-2011

Over the course of the year much time and effort was invested by ourselves and our partner, La Société de Criminologie du Québec in planning for Congress 2011. No doubt, as expected, the economic climate is still a challenge in terms of government sponsorship as well as delegate attraction. In addition, the dissolution of Parliament during the last weeks of March added a further obstacle as we were expecting funding decisions to be approved prior to the fiscal year end. Nevertheless, we did receive funding from Public Safety Canada and we are hopeful that others will contribute during the 2011-2012 year, in line with previous Congress contributions.

Discussions and some preliminary planning have taken place with our colleagues at the British Columbia Criminal Justice Association regarding Congress 2013.

2011-2012

For the better part of this year, we will be concentrating on Congress 2011 and we are hopeful that we will be presenting a unique and successful event.

During the year we will begin actively pursuing work on Congress 2013. Prior to making major legal commitments we will have to gauge government and private sector sponsor support. Inquiries are being made regarding alternate solutions. .

2. 

Public Education/Partnerships

2010-2011

We have built a fruitful partnership with the Société de Criminologie du Québec. Being part of the Congress 2011 planning committee has provided us an  opportunity to connect with a wide group of Quebec governmental and community agencies. We have also been in the process of re-establishing important links with our colleague association in Québec that have been dormant for 18 years. Given  our relative geographical proximity, depending on the success of this Congress, we may wish to consider them as part of the regular cycle of congress partners.

In terms of Congress 2013, it is still too soon to  forecast outcomes, but we have undertaken a number of preliminary planning steps together.

We published the regular four issues of the Journal as well as one special issue. While  we spent a good deal of time in planning for one more special issue, funding could not be confirmed  by year end. In addition, during the year we initiated the publication of  A Compendium of Position Papers: Viewpoints on Criminal Justice Issues which has been distributed to Parliamentary justice committee members, affiliate presidents,as well as journalists on our media list.

Our website continues to be updated on a regular basis with priority being given to Congress related information displays.

The Correctional Service of Canada will  launch an information session on their community correctional strategy at Congress 2011.

2011-2012

There is no Public Education event as effective and as visible as a successful congress. Currently there are a number of unknowns in terms of funding support and delegate attendance, however we hope and expect to deliver it successfully in October in Quebec City.

Once Congress 2011 is close to delivery we will commence contract undertakings for Congress 2013.

The Journal will be published a minimum of four times this year. We will also review our latest policy positions  and examine the possibility of updating and enhancing the Viewpoints publication.

As material becomes available post-congress, it will be posted on our web site.

3. 

Research/Policy Development

2010-2011

It was a busy year in terms of policy reviews given the large and frequent number of Government criminal justice bills. A number of members appeared before House and Senate committees. The Policy Review Committee has been very active and continues to spearhead the CCJA.

2011-2012

It is expected that major additional criminal justice legislation will be forthcoming as an omnibus bill early in the term of the new government. We have worked on a number of likely components of this legislation and  we will ready ourselves for the rest as soon as details are available.

We have begun discussions on the possibility of taking a lead role in sharing results and best practices with  various partners on preventing deaths in custody. To date, no clear financial commitment has been made, however we are hopeful that a positive resolution is at hand.

It is hoped that this year we will succeed in revitalizing our Social Issues Committee as well as our Public Awareness and Visibility Committee. Given the involvement of many Board members in the PRC deliberations, it may be opportune to entertain discussions regarding the relationships among the committees.

4. 

Governance and Organizational Development

2010-2011

We have begun the election process  which will be completed in June 2011.

Our membership database system has been completely revamped and this new online version serves us much more efficiently. A new congress database system was also elaborated and its implementation is on-going.

Some work took place in Regina regarding a revitalized  affiliate in Saskatchewan. Similar work has progressed in Victoria towards the establishment of a new BCCJA chapter.

2011-2012

The election process will be complete by the end of June which will provide an opportunity to develop planning for the new Board which takes office on October 27 in Quebec City. We will assist in any manner required.

We will also continue on redevelopment of the membership and congress electronic programmes.

5. 

Resource Development

2010-2011

In mid-year and with no notice, we faced the necessity of replacing our long serving bookkeeper. In the process we found not only a replacement but also, took the opportunity to revamp all  bookkeeping procedures and processes. We are now far more efficient while carrying out our requirements in a less costly manner.

An expected retirement did not take place but was deferred until after Congress 2011 for which we are most grateful.

The work environment remains very positive in our office.

2011-2012

It is likely that we will need to do a search again this summer in order to replace another of our long term staff. We are hopeful  of the outcome given the working conditions and environment we offer.