COVID-19 update for correctional employees: March 23, 2020

This content is a message to Correctional Service Canada (CSC) staff from CSC's Commissioner.

I want to thank you again for your ongoing commitment to the operations of Correctional Service Canada (CSC)during this public health crisis. Below is an update on what’s new.

Community supervision

In the community, our parole officers and Community staff continue to perform critical work in managing and supervising offenders. A key part of this is contact with offenders. Guidance has been provided to all regions to brief their staff.

During this time, additional flexibility and precautions are in place, such as increasing flexibility with supervision strategies, maintaining social distancing, using active health screening questions, and utilizing flexible work arrangements. It is important to continue assessing specific circumstances on a case-by-case basis with your supervisor as we work to balance everyone’s health and safety and the need to maintain public safety. 

I appreciate the professionalism and commitment of all of our community–based employees in ensuring public safety during this challenging time.

Staggered access to VPN

We are following direction from the Treasury Board Secretariat and public health authorities to make alternative work arrangements, wherever possible, in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, when many public servants work from home at the same time, this can easily overwhelm the system.

Information Management Services (IMS) is working closely with our service partners to meet the growing need for teleworking capacity. We are seeing improvements, but while more efforts are underway, I would ask that you follow this schedule as much as possible to relieve the load on the IT network and allow more of us to connect.

VPN Access Schedule*:

• Atlantic      6:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. (EDT) / 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. (ATL)
• Quebec      8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (EDT)
• NHQ          10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (EDT)
• Ontario     12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. (EDT)
• Prairie       2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (EDT) / 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (SK)
• Pacific       4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (EDT) / 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (PAC)

Distribution of devices

IMS is also working hard to ensure that devices, including laptops and smart phones, are being distributed to staff who are carrying out essential business activity. We are working with all sectors and regions to validate a priority list and IMS will be in contact with identified employees to arrange for delivery. As part of the delivery process, we ask employees to follow the recommended hygiene measures and please do not come into the office if you are sick or in self-isolation.

Phoenix Time and Labour: changes to submission and approval deadlines

Recognizing that there are limitations to networks across departments and agencies, Public Services and Procurement Canada made changes to the current Phoenix time sheet submission process for basic pay with the following time reporting codes:

• 001 – Basic Pay
• 132 – Basic Pay Ships’ Crews/Ships’ Officers X 1.0
• HAB – Rehab Period Salary
• LAB – Late Reporting REHAB Hours

The following deadlines have been changed:

• The deadline for employees to submit their timesheet(s) with basic pay has been extended to March 24, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. (EDT).
• The deadline for section 34 approval for timesheets with basic pay is now March 25, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. (EDT).

Information for CSC Employees and Public Servants

Recognizing that not everyone can access their email and the Hub easily, we are posting important staff information on:

• CSC’s website

Visit it regularly for updates and follow CSC’s social media for new information and tips as well.

A section has also been added to the Canada.ca pages on Coronavirus for all public servants:

• canada.ca/coronaviruspublicservice

The most recent messages from the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer are posted there, as well as information about telework, leave, mental health and other useful resources. There is also new information about public gatherings and guidelines for the workplace for critical workers.

Employee Assistance Program

These are stressful times with lots on our mind. It is important to look after ourselves, both physically and mentally. Remember that the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to all of us. You can also contact Employee Assistance Services at 1-800-268-7708, which is a 24/7 number. The TTY number is 1-800-567-5803.

The senior management team and I appreciate everyone’s hard work and professionalism. Your health and safety continue to be our priority and it is our commitment to keep you informed as things evolve.

For up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit Canada.ca/coronavirus.