David Paradiso appointed Canada’s Correctional Investigator

David Paradiso has been appointed Canada’s Correctional Investigator for a five-year term beginning October 13.

The Public Safety Canada announcement published September 29 says Paradiso brings about 35 years of experience in oversight, investigations and administrative law. He has served as British Columbia’s Deputy Ombudsman since 2014.

His earlier federal work included roles as director of investigations at the Office of the Correctional Investigator and as executive director and senior counsel at the RCMP External Review Committee.

The Office of the Correctional Investigator is an independent ombuds office for people serving federal sentences. It investigates complaints, reviews Correctional Service Canada policies and practices, and makes recommendations, but it does not run prisons or act as a court.

Valerie Phillips has served as interim Correctional Investigator since June 18. Paradiso’s appointment supplies a permanent office-holder after that interim period.

Illustrative image: Wesley Tingey / Unsplash Licence. Cropped and resized; the files shown are not records of the Office of the Correctional Investigator.