1. 

Fostering Communication Within and About the Criminal Justice Field

2007-8

The Mental Health Project while approved too late for substantive work in 2006-7, had a 2 year span. In 2007-8 CCJA and St Leonard’s Society of Canada implemented phase 1.fora, Along with the principal funding from Public Safety Canada for 3 fora, the assistance of the Law Foundation of Ontario allowed for a fourth. After a great deal of planning, we facilitated a forum in Kingston, Halifax, Calgary and Vancouver. A handbook for practitioners was also produced as part of this project. The handbook was sent to each halfway house in Canada as well as all participants and our CCJA affiliates.

2008-9

There is sufficient scope within the parameters of this proposal to go beyond this year as original plans called for a multi-year project. We have already submitted a proposal to Public Safety Canada to manage a forum in Montreal during the current year. St. Leonard’s will be proposing a similar workshop in Toronto. Both organizations will continue to collaborate on this project.

The Visibility and Public Awareness Committee will become more active in projecting the image of the CCJA across Canada.

2. 

Public Education/Partnerships

2007-8

The Website continues to be popular and contains a number of Congress 2007 presentations. Members are using the website more often for membership information and renewals. Up-dates take place as required.

The Justice Report was produced 4 times during the year with continually relevant and refreshing material. Sales of the Justice Directory and Victims Directory continued to do well.

The contract with the University of Toronto Press produced excellent results. Revenue from advertising and royalties has increased.

2008-9

We have successfully partnered with St Leonard’s Society on the Mental Health Project. It is hoped that this will continue when additional funding is confirmed.

We are still hopeful that we can improve the marketing of the Victims Directory although various attempts at securing additional resources in order to promote it further, have not been successful to date. Nonetheless, this is a successful and well received publication.

3. 

Research/Policy Development

2007-8

The Policy Review Committee met regularly and is the most active CCJA committee. It produced a major brief to the House of Commons Committee on Justice and Human Rights and also testified at a Senate Committee hearing on Bill C-2.

2008-9

The Policy Review Committee will continue to draft briefs for Parliamentary Committee. The Board vetting process is well in place now for an efficient consultation, review and approval process. A number of new members have indicated interest in joining the Policy Review Committee and this should even further enhance its importance and output.

The Social Issues Committee will examine other areas for their involvement in the new year, including community corrections.

4. 

Governance and Organizational Development

2007-8

Essential work was carried out in finalizing and redrafting the CCJA By-Laws for presentation to the AGM. Members so far have expressed great interest and approval of measures proposed to date.

Contract negotiations for hotel and event space were completed in Halifax and planning for Congress 2009 is well underway.

The Saskatchewan affiliate seems to have made some progress and we are hopeful that matters will proceed positively.

2008-9

It is expected that Board approval and AGM ratification of the new By-Laws will take place during the current fiscal year.

We will be working with the Congress 2009 planning committee to ensure a successful event is delivered in Halifax in 2009.

Assistance as available will be given to Saskatchewan in order to set up its affiliate structure. The Manitoba affiliate may need further attention as well.

5. 

Resource Development

2007-8

The financial structure of the Association continues to be positive and stable. Revenue streams delivered positive results in 2007-8 in all areas.

The work of CCJA staff and volunteers and the Ontario Association of Corrections and Criminology paid off in a successful Congress 2007.

We have maintained a very positive work environment in the national office, all the while pursuing efficiencies.

2008-9

We will continue to seek alternate sources of new revenue.

In addition, we will be seeking better, more efficient premises for our national office. Opportunities for purchase will be pursued as well.