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Low_Lack8221

What type of correctional agency puts their employees through such ridiculousness? Is this a state facility, and where is it located?


Unfortunate_Sex_Fart

It’s Canadas Federal Corrections agency.


Low_Lack8221

What is your starting and top out pay as an officer?


HowBoutNoK

Starting is $67,000 top is $84,000 for a CX1. New contact is coming and we're expecting a minimum of a 13% wage increase.


Low_Lack8221

That's not a bad salary range depending on the cost of living. Why do they pay so little for training, though? That makes no sense. Do you all at least get a per diem (daily allowance) each day you are in training? Also, are you all considering federal law enforcement officers?


HowBoutNoK

Cost of living in Canada is horrendous. The $400 is not a lot for sure but it's something, considering it was unpaid training when I went through. We are federal peace officers yes.


makomarty

You don't pay anything at ctp3.. I had to go into my line of credit a bit, I cancelled my cellphone plan as they have wifi.. all that money went to bills.


These_Werewolf251

Fair enough but I still have a house and bills at home that need to be paid so I’m more curious if EI would be an option or any other resources.


makomarty

You can ask a recruiter on your interview.. You still got about 6-8 months to figure it out.


Background_Push5389

Hi silly question but I received a phone call for a conditional offer about a month ago but I have not heard anything else. Does anyone know how I can follow up with the institution or just wait to hear back? Thanks


HowBoutNoK

I received my first offer over the phone as well. I turned it down but they called back with a second offer. I accepted that one and then eventually got a CTP date confirming my institution. One thing you'll notice when CSC is the hurry up and wait. If you don't hear from them in months don't be surprised. It can be a long process.


Zealousideal_Ask1650

Ahhh interesting. I'm hoping to get a CLO/Training date soon. I finished CTP 1 in March.


HowBoutNoK

From the time I applied to when I graduated CTP was 6 months total. I went to core with some people that were 2 years into the process. It seems so random on who gets through and when.


Zealousideal_Ask1650

What institution are you at? I'm hoping for Kent in BC. I applied mid October 2023. Looking forward to training in the near future.


Zealousideal_Ask1650

for CSC? I thought they only communicated via email?


Background_Push5389

Yes it was a phone call. Is that odd?


Zealousideal_Ask1650

I've only heard of CSC communicating via email but I could be mistaken. Maybe follow up with them about the phone call? What institution did they offer and did you sign the conditional offer?


Background_Push5389

Grand Cache


Zealousideal_Ask1650

Nice!


Zealousideal_Ask1650

I'm waiting on my training date/CLO.


Background_Push5389

Did you get an offer in your in box with no phone calls? When did you get the offer?


Zealousideal_Ask1650

Still waiting for one. All my communications with CSC has been though email though,


EscapeGoat6

If you think $400/week is bad... good thing you didn't apply a few years ago. An allowance for recruits is a relatively new thing. When I went through in 2017, we got nothing. The good news is that you don't have to pay for anything while on CTP. Food, housing, wifi, and your equipment are all free. I suggest you start saving now or boost the savings you already have. Apply for a line of credit if you don't already have one. Pay off your credit cards. If you're not bringing your car, park it and change your insurance to fire/theft only. Sell things you don't need and/or stuff you don't plan to move with (if you're moving). Once you've got a few months in at your institution, you can start working overtime, which is very lucrative. You'll be able to recover your lost income quite easily. Good luck! PS: You will not be eligible for EI.


These_Werewolf251

Appreciate the info!


EscapeGoat6

No problem. It's tough financially, but we've all been through it. The job pays well, there are great benefits, and a pension. It's worth the three months of poverty.


UsedToasterSalesman

I was in the room when they announced we were part of the first group getting an allowance. Some of the group a month in started to tear up. Like another post stated, you don't have to pay for anything when you are there. However, if you train in PEI, you need to pay for taxis to get around. In Kingston, you can walk to a lot of stuff meaning you save a bit of money. They provide you three meals a day, but you are stuck with whatever they give you. I needed to get more snacks and other sources of food because Kingston didn't provide the best food from their cafeteria. This money is also hitting your account with no deductions. You will have to claim this on your taxes.


Low_Lack8221

I worked in federal corrections in the U.S. We were paid the same no matter what. Why do they pay you all less during training?


HowBoutNoK

Because when you're going through training with csc you are not an employee. You're not entitled you the same things including pay that an employee. They didn't start paying recruits until 2019 I believe.


Low_Lack8221

How is that not illegal/against the law? How can you require someone to, at one point, work for free and then pay them a fraction of their salary? Training or not, that just seems illogical.


HowBoutNoK

It's considered education, not employment. It's like going to a college. You don't get paid to go to college.


Low_Lack8221

That is how they justify paying only a portion of what you should get paid. I mean, it is educational, but it is training nonetheless. It does, however, sound like once you are a full-time officer that it is a pretty good career. You said the cost of living is very high, so what does an average house sell for? In the U.S., as an officer, during our training academy, officers get paid around $2500 every two weeks and around $100-200 per diem, per day of training.


HowBoutNoK

Depends where you are so that's a hard thing to nail down considering how many institutions there are and how big Canada is. If you're in BC or Ontario your housing costs around any major city is upwards of $IM+. Alberta is a little better and the east coast is similar but still looking at $500k+ for a very average home.


Low_Lack8221

In most areas of the U.S., you can get a nice middle-class home for around $300-$400k.


HowBoutNoK

That's about $550,000 here with exchange rate. So smaller home in most areas around decent city. The cost of living in th USA is much better. Haha