Commissioner's update for correctional employees: December 9, 2024

Beaver Creek Institution has resumed normal operations following the state-of-emergency in Gravenhurst, Ontario, due to heavy snowfall. I want to thank our staff for their incredible work. Despite the challenges, you showed dedication, commitment, and professionalism. 

Incidents and Mental Health

I want to recognize that the work that many of you do in our institutions is, at times, incredibly challenging. I know that we often work to prevent incidents before they occur to ensure that our institutions remain as safe as possible. Despite our best efforts, I sometimes hear about offenders assaulting our staff. I know this can take a toll on our workplaces – and on your individual wellbeing and safety.  The correctional world is a small one. Just recently, we heard of a Correctional Officer in a Quebec provincial institution being seriously assaulted. I know that some of you worked in that same institution prior to joining CSC and have been supporting him and his family through this difficult time. Thank you for being there for one another in times of need.

Never hesitate to reach out to those around you if you need help. Our EAP referral agents are also there to support you. They will listen and help you find appropriate and helpful resources to best support you and your colleagues.

• EAP referral agents (internal link)
• Employee Assistance Program (internal link)

Mother-Child Program

As you may know, there has been recent public attention on the Mother-Child Program, including it being discussed in Parliament over the past few weeks.

The Mother-Child Program is an important and successful program. It helps to foster positive relationships between federally incarcerated mothers and their child, by keeping them together, where appropriate. 

The safety and security of children who participate in the Mother-Child Program is a top priority for CSC. Their best interest is always paramount.

Since the program was implemented in 2001, there have been over 170 participants and no child has ever been harmed. There are rigorous eligibility criteria protocols in place for participation in this program, including child welfare screening completed by provincial and territorial child and family services, as well as ensuring that people residing in the Mother-Child Living Unit have not been convicted of an offence against a child. Children are supervised at all times and no child is ever left unattended.

I want to thank the staff who work to make this program safe and successful at our women sites.

Human Rights Day

Tomorrow, we celebrate Human Rights Day – a day that commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. It is an opportunity for us to learn more about ways we can stand up for our rights as well as those of others.

Our organization is strongly committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and respectful workplace, free of harassment and discrimination. It is our duty to respect the rights of the offenders in our care and custody, as well as the rights of our employees, partners, and visitors.

I encourage you to learn more about the events organized by the Human Rights Division.

Meeting With Minister LeBlanc

Last week, our Executive Committee members and I were pleased to meet with the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs. He took the time to learn more about the things we are proud of and the challenges we face. He also thanked all CSC employees for all the incredible work that you do each and every day.

Thank you for your continued dedication, collaboration, and hard work.