1. Provide a national voice for affiliated CoSA sites
In 2015, CoSA Canada was incorporated as the national office for CoSA sites across the country. Under a five-year Public Safety Canada-funded project that launched in 2017, CoSA Canada has provided assistance to CoSA sites in 15 locations to reduce recidivism and assist people who have committed sexual offences to reintegrate into their communities.
Since 2017, CoSA Canada has also contributed to research through academic partnerships and participated in federal and non-profit learning initiatives. It has raised public awareness of CoSA programming and engaged in a multi-year process to identify and articulate good practices and relevant materials for CoSA staff and volunteer training, including outlining a national operational framework.
CoSA Canada invites associates—companions—to support our work including criminal justice and reintegration professionals, researchers, and others. CoSA Canada welcomes contact from those interested in contributing skills and abilities to reach out. For more information, please contact info@cosacanada.com.
CoSA Canada's Award of Distinction celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to CoSA in Canada. To date, the Award has had three recipients: Harry Nigh (2019), Patricia Love (2020), and Dan Haley (2021).
Dan Haley has been involved with CoSA for over 30 years. With support from Harry Nigh and Hugh Kirkegaard, Dan along with others established the second circle in the city of Toronto. Hired by MCC Ontario, Dan met with men returning to the community and linked them to the growing work of CoSA in the Toronto/Hamilton/Kitchener area as well as building the work of CoSA in his home community of Peterborough.
As the founder of CoSA Ottawa, Patricia Love played an invaluable role in creating the national office together with her daughter and now longtime CoSA program director, Susan Love. Her dedication and advocacy enabled CoSA to develop a strong reputation, locally and internationally.
Harry Nigh was instrumental in initiating the very first circle of volunteers in Hamilton, Ontario. Through great passion and commitment, his extensive contributions helped CoSA take root in Canada and evolve over the years.
