Correctional Investigator of Canada

     
Valerie Phillips, Interim Correctional Investigator

Valerie Phillips is a respected and accomplished public sector executive and lawyer with over 20 years of experience advancing human rights, Indigenous rights, institutional accountability, and public sector leadership in Canada.

As Interim Correctional Investigator of Canada, Valerie will provide strategic direction to the Office of the Correctional Investigator, leading its independent mandate to promote fairness, accountability, and respect for the human rights of federally incarcerated individuals. She is committed to upholding public confidence in correctional oversight through evidence-based recommendations, constructive engagement, and a focus on systemic improvement.

Prior to her appointment, Valerie served as Executive Director and General Counsel at the Office of the Correctional Investigator, where she played a pivotal role in organizational governance and the advancement of the Office’s oversight mandate. Her leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the Office’s capacity to deliver impactful, independent oversight of federal corrections.

Valerie previously held senior leadership positions at Justice Canada and the Canadian Human Rights Commission, where she led complex legal and policy initiatives at the intersection of human rights, constitutional law, and public administration. Most recently, she led a multidisciplinary team responsible for advancing implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Through collaboration with Indigenous partners, federal organizations, and stakeholders, she helped advance reconciliation and support meaningful progress in the recognition and implementation of Indigenous rights.

Throughout her career, Valerie has made significant contributions to shaping legal and policy initiatives that have strengthened Canada’s human rights framework and advanced institutional accountability. Her work has included addressing systemic inequities affecting Indigenous peoples, supporting high-profile and complex constitutional and human rights litigation, and promoting approaches to law and policy that recognize Indigenous legal traditions and customary laws. She also led the implementation of key human rights recommendations arising from the Arbour report on sexual misconduct in the military. 

A trusted and respected leader in the fields of human rights, Indigenous rights, and public administration, Valerie has appeared before courts and tribunals across Canada and has participated in proceedings before the Supreme Court of Canada on complex constitutional and human rights issues.

Valerie holds degrees in Law and Criminology and has completed advanced training in executive leadership and coaching.