Commissioner's update for correctional employees: November 12, 2024

Yesterday, Canadians across the country came together to mark Remembrance Day, paying tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and to all our veterans who came home.

At CSC, we are proud to work alongside many veterans currently serving within CSC and are inspired by their commitment and dedication to protecting Canadians.

Memorial ceremony for fallen employees in Laval

I wanted to also highlight a Memorial Ceremony for Fallen Employees held on November 2, in Laval, Quebec. I want to thank all those who attended. This annual gathering serves as an opportunity to preserve the memory of colleagues who lost their lives in service. 

In addition to the loved ones of the fallen employees, members of the CSC Regional Honor Guard were present, as well as:

• members of the ceremonial groups of several police forces
• the Regional Management Committee, and
• the representative of the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers

Also in attendance were the Member of Parliament for Alfred-Pellan, Angelo Iacono, and the Assistant Commissioner, Commanding Officer of the Eastern Region of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Martin Roach, accompanied by the RCMP drum and pipe band.

Health sessions at Fraser Valley Institution

I wanted to share with you an interesting initiative from Fraser Valley Institution (FVI). A few months ago, the Inmate Wellness Committee (IWC) at FVI approached Health Services staff to share that the inmate population wanted education sessions on health-related subjects specific to women. Over the next few weeks, the IWC identified trending topics among the inmate population and worked with staff to identify subject matter experts who could deliver presentations.  

Various health services staff were involved in delivering sessions on a variety of topics including:

• sexually transmitted infections and women’s health
• nutrition and diet
• substance use and recovery

These sessions included interactive elements to make them more impactful such as “true or false” games and preparing a healthy meal during the session.

Activities like these can help staff stay informed of health concerns among the inmate population, while providing an open and safe space to learn. I encourage all sites to consider working with the IWCs on initiatives similar to this, as appropriate.

Citizen Advisory Committee hosts Trent symposium

Recently, the Peterborough parole - Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC), in partnership with Trent University’s Criminology program, hosted a one-day symposium titled "Beyond the Charge: Reintegration and Success Over Stigma,"

The symposium featured renowned speakers Richard Sauvé, Emily O’Brien and Dr. Else Knudsen. They highlighted the challenges and stigmas individuals face upon reintegration into society after a period of incarceration. 

This event provided a valuable platform for engaging discussions on overcoming and dismantling these barriers.

I extend my gratitude to all staff that were able to participate and contribute to this important event. Thank you to the Peterborough Parole Office and its CAC for organizing this event. It was an excellent opportunity to share their unique perspectives and leadership experience in supporting the reintegration of individuals in our care and custody.

MegaConnEX 2024

I wanted to highlight a great opportunity for young-at-heart professionals to connect with departmental executives for networking. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada Young Professionals Network are organizing an annual event in support of the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC).

MegaConnEX allows you to connect "face to face" or "screen to screen" with senior executives. Events will take place on November 19, 21, 26, and 28, 2024.

To learn more about who will be attending and how to sign up, please visit:

• MegaConnEX 2024

Please note that all ticket and silent auction proceeds go directly to the 2024 GCWCC.

Diversity Week events

Last week as part of our National Diversity Week events, CSC national champions held a virtual panel discussion organized by the Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion directorate.

Our national champions are:

• Women employees: Amy Jarrette, Deputy Commissioner for Women
• Anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion: Kirstan Gagnon, Assistant Commissioner (AC), Public Affairs, Culture and Engagement Sector
• Indigenous people: Kathy Neil, Deputy Commissioner, Indigenous Corrections
• 2SLGBTQIA+  and Official Languages: Johanne Charest, Regional Deputy Commissioner (RDC), Atlantic Region
• Persons with disabilities: Tony Matson, Assistant Commissioner (AC), Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer
• Multiculturalism: Brooke Kassen, A/Regional Deputy Commissioner (RDC), Pacific Region

I was pleased to open the discussion and delighted to see so many employees in attendance. It was a thoughtful conversation, with good questions. I want to thank the Champions for their leadership. The panel was a great way for employees to learn about the progress we are making and be inspired to act in support of our inclusive and diverse organization.

I am thankful for your hard work.