After being called to the Ontario Bar in 1984, Mary Campbell joined the Department of the Solicitor General Canada (later Department of Public Safety Canada) where she shaped criminal justice public policy and legislation for nearly 30 years. Retired in 2013 as Director General, Corrections & Criminal Justice, Ms. Campbell continues to contribute to public policy through research and writing, public debate, education of students and judges, and fearless human rights advocacy for persons in the prison system.

Articles by this author

Is that a promise or a threat?

Never in my career have I seen such a meticulous list of criminal justice commitments as the Harper government has made in every campaign.  No hidden agenda at all – just a very clear checklist …

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Life and death after Carter

There has been considerable public debate about killing since the February 6, 2015, Supreme Court of Canada decision in Carter v. Canada (AG) on assisted death. Those who are unhappy with the Court's ruling argue …

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Lost wisdom

Therefore beware of murmuring, which is unprofitable; and refrain your tongue from backbiting. The Book of Solomon 1:11 What the hell is going on with us? Have we become so infected with the meanness of the Harper …

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Nils Christie - in memoriam

It's not every day that the death of an elderly Norwegian hits like a thunderbolt in Canada and around the world.  But the death of Nils Christie on May 27, 2015 is such a day.  …

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Wheels of justice

Two corrections and criminal justice events in the past week caught this writer's attention.  First, a small one in terms of policy and programs, but with huge personal impact.  The sense of freedom that Omar …

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