Senior Deputy Commissioner's update for correctional employees: October 16, 2023

Last week, RCMP Constable Frederick O’Brien was honoured by hundreds at his regimental funeral in British Columbia. I am proud to say that many CSC staff attended the ceremony for Constable O’Brien who lost his life in the line of duty. As part of the public safety community, it is important to show our support for colleagues and partners during these difficult times. Thank you to those who participated in the procession or sent words of condolence. I know how difficult events like these can be. The Employee Assistance Program is available if you need support.

World Food Day

Today is World Food Day. The day promotes how important access to food, water, and healthy diets is to all people on earth. A healthy diet boosts quality of life and is essential for physical and mental well-being. I would also like to say a special thank you to the CSC dieticians and food services staff across the country. They work hard to provide healthy meals to the individuals in our care. We recently featured Sophie, one of CSC’s own dieticians in our Lift Me Up campaign.

You can hear from Sophie in her own words and learn more about the important work she does here:

• Lift Me Up: Sophie

National Infection Control Week

National Infection Control Week, from October 15 to 21, is a time to remind ourselves of the simple ways we can prevent the spread of infections. Regular hand hygiene and keeping up to date with available vaccinations is the best way to prevent serious illness, especially from influenza and COVID-19.

I would also like to take this opportunity to again recognize and thank all staff for your efforts over the course of the pandemic. Our strong practices got us through this challenging time, and we need to continue them. If you feel unwell, please contact your manager, and stay home.

Persons Day

October 18 is Persons Day. This commemorates the day women were included in the legal definition of “persons” by Canada’s highest court of appeal, 94 years ago. It marked a critical progress in the advancement of gender equality in Canada.

It opened up careers that had long been held only by men. Today, women hold positions in all levels of government and work in all professions.

The diversity of jobs held by women at CSC is an excellent example of this. It is important to remember how women fought hard throughout history to pave the way for more participation in public and political life.

CSC’s Progress on the 2022–2025 Accessibility Plan

The Employment Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EEDI) team, in partnership with the National Employee Diversity Chair and the Champion for Persons with Disabilities, are currently drafting a Progress Report on CSC’s 2022–2025 Accessibility Plan. They are inviting employees with disabilities to provide their feedback on the report and the progress made. The plan aims to remove barriers for persons with disabilities, which benefits everyone.

• 2022–2025 Accessibility Plan

Please register before October 20 at GEN-NHQ Diversity-diversité. 

International Conflict Resolution Day

October 19 is International Conflict Resolution Day. This is recognized annually around the world to raise awareness of peaceful, non-violent methods to resolve conflict. This year’s theme “Prevention Pays Off” focuses on the importance of prevention and the costs of unresolved conflicts. At CSC, the Office of Informal Conflict Resolution is the trusted resource to support you to prevent and manage conflict.

Conflict is an inevitable part of life and I believe how we handle it is what matters. Our Office of Informal Conflict Resolution offers services, training, and tools to help you develop skills and concrete strategies to have the important conversations.

Integrated Correctional Program Model Training

In September, Alta Peachey, NHQ National Program Trainer, and Bev Pitcher, the Ontario Regional Program Manager with the Reintegration Programs Division, trained staff of the Montana Department of Correctional Services in the delivery and implementation of the Integrated Correctional Program Model.

This opportunity gave the participants a chance to learn about the key concepts of the program. International initiatives like these not only benefit Canada, but also its worldwide partners as we share expertise and help improve correctional interventions around the globe.