Commissioner's update for correctional employees: March 4 , 2024
This content is a message to Correctional Service Canada (CSC) staff from CSC's Commissioner.
Our Mission: The Correctional Service of Canada, as part of the criminal justice system and respecting the rule of law, contributes to public safety by actively encouraging and assisting offenders to become law-abiding citizens, while exercising reasonable, safe, secure and humane control.
It is heartbreaking to see so much conflict happening around the world. Recent news around Haiti declaring a state of emergency related to gang conflict is troubling. Over the weekend, hundreds of inmates fled prisons after armed gangs overturned two of their facilities. Many of our employees have ties to Haiti and some have been part of missions to the country. Our thoughts are with our colleagues and international counterparts, and their families, during these difficult times.
Pink Shirt Day
It was terrific to see so many wearing pink last Wednesday in support of Pink Shirt Day. It is important to take a stand against bullying and all forms of discrimination. We are working to reinforce a healthy, safe and professional workplace where employees have respect for each other. I thank you for the efforts you are putting into creating a positive work culture at CSC.
Commissioner and NHQ team wearing pink shirts.
International Women’s Day
March 8 is International Women's Day. It is recognized globally as a day to celebrate women and girls’ social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It is an important reminder that gender equality is one of the most effective ways to build healthier, more prosperous, and more inclusive communities.
This year’s theme is Invest in women: Accelerate progress. We all have a role to play in building a future where everyone can reach their full potential.
Over half of our staff members identify as women. I am proud of your great work, and it is empowering to see many of you take on leadership roles. You are demonstrating that women’s success is everyone’s success. This is positive progress.
If you have any questions, comments or ideas about employment equity and diversity please contact our team at: EEDCCEED.GEN-NAT@CSC-SCC.GC.CA
New “Prisons Inside/Out” episode: Celebrating Women in Corrections
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in the latest episode of our podcast series, Prisons Inside/Out. I am happy to share that Episode 3 is now available for listening.
Episode 3: Celebrating women in corrections
Faces of CSC
Ellen Connor is a Correctional Manager at William Head Institution in the Pacific Region.
Read more about how Ellen is inspiring positive change in her workplace. She is also empowering girls and women to build their confidence at the boxing club she started in 2016 in Sooke, B.C.
In addition to my conversation, the English episode features an interview with Kathy Neil, CSC’s Deputy Commissioner for Indigenous Corrections and the French episode includes an interview with Edith Isabelle, who is the Warden of Joliette Institution. In these episodes, we talk about our early careers at CSC, our journey in corrections, and our experiences as women in the field.
As always, if you have feedback on the podcast series, we want to hear from you. Please send your comments to the communications team at:
Nova Institution Works to Create Inclusivity
I was pleased to receive a letter from an offender at Nova Institution in the Atlantic Region. They wrote to tell me how grateful they were about the work staff was doing there to support offenders from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. I would like to thank the staff for making such an effort to show inclusivity, such as painting rainbow sidewalks. I am aware that the committee, made up of members from the 2SLGBTQIA+ Positive Space Group, are approaching the Truro Pride community to help with activities and presentations, especially during Pride Season. Efforts like these in institutions across the country are making a difference in helping offenders feel respected and included.
Public Service Pride Awards
The Public Service Pride Awards recognize public servants who promote and strengthen 2SLGBTQIA+ diversity, inclusion, and pride in the federal public service. Nominations are now open for the fourth annual Pride awards that will be announced during the 2024 Public Service Pride Week in August.
You are invited to nominate an individual person, network, initiative, or an organization for one of five award categories. The deadline for the nominations is April 18, 2024. Find out more about the 2024 Public Service Pride Awards.
T4 Reminder
You should now be able to access your tax slips online through Compensation Web Applications, MyGCPay, or Phoenix Employee Self Service. Your Human Resources Team has put together a Pay Bulletin (internal resource) with helpful tips for this year’s tax season.
Thank you for the important role you play helping our organization rehabilitate and reintegrate offenders into our communities. Your hard work is essential to keeping our communities safe. It doesn’t go unnoticed, either. Thank you for all you do.
Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.
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