The Ed McIsaac Human Rights in Corrections Award

Mr. Ed McIsaac, award-winner Professor Michal Jackson, and Mr. Howard Sapers


Photo: The inaugural Ed McIsaac Human Rights in Corrections Award. From Left to right: Mr. Ed McIsaac, Professor Michal Jackson, and Mr. Howard Sapers.

The Ed McIsaac Human Rights in Corrections Award was established in December 2008. It commemorates the work and career of Ed McIsaac, who served as Executive Director of the Office of the Correctional Investigator for eighteen years. Throughout his career, Ed McIsaac inspired staff and attracted support from various community organizations to address unfair treatment and to correct systemic issues in federal corrections. He contributed to countless recommendations to improve correctional effectiveness, protect the human rights of offenders, and enhance public safety.

The Ed McIsaac Human Rights in Corrections Award recognizes the work and dedication of those who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to improving Canadian corrections and protecting the human rights of the incarcerated.

The award may be presented to a person or an organization. Award recipients will be those whose social justice commitment and persistent efforts have contributed significantly to the advancement of human rights and correctional practice in Canada.

Upon his retirement, Mr. McIsaac was presented with a sculpture by Ms. Audrey Greyeyes, a Cree artist from Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, entitled Medicine Man . The sculpture symbolizes wisdom, clarity of thought and leadership, qualities that reflect Mr. McIsaac’s character and career.

Award recipients will receive a reproduction of the Medicine Man sculpture.

The Office of the Correctional Investigator is mandated by an Act of Parliament to be an independent Ombudsman for federal offenders. Details on nomination procedures for the Ed McIsaac Human Rights in Corrections Award may be found here .

Past Recipients: 

For more information, please contact: 

Ivan Zinger, J.D., Ph.D.   
Executive Director and General Counsel   
(613) 990-2690   
Ivan.Zinger@oci-bec.gc.ca 

Date modified 

2022-12-19