COVID-19 update for correctional employees: April 6, 2020
This content is a message to Correctional Service Canada (CSC) staff from CSC's Commissioner.
As we enter a new month, and continue to adapt to changing circumstances, I remain inspired by all of our staff at Correctional Service Canada (CSC). I am very proud of our team. We are working together to help one another as we fulfil our commitment to public safety.
I would like to extend my well wishes to any staff who are ill and recovering at home right now. My thoughts are with you and your families.
Please read this update to find out what's new.
CSC's preparedness and plans
As many of you know, CSC's core mandate of maintaining public safety and safely managing offenders continues during this public health crisis. I want to assure you that CSC is taking every measure necessary to keep staff and offenders safe and healthy. Whether enhancing cleaning practices, ensuring staff have essential equipment and supplies or minimizing the comings and goings into institutions and parole offices, we have taken quick and decisive action as we face this challenge. The advice of public health and infection prevention experts continues to guide our response.
For an overview of what we are doing at CSC to keep you safe, I invite you to review our placemat outlining:
- preparedness and planning efforts
This is an evergreen document that CSC will continue to update as things evolve.
I want to thank everyone for doing their part. I remind you to not come into work if you are feeling sick. It is also important to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our institutions. We all need to follow public health advice to:
- practice physical distancing and avoid gathering in groups
- cough or sneeze into our sleeve
- wash our hands frequently, and
- avoid touching our face
If we all follow these important measures, we can make strides towards planking the curve and overcoming this challenge.
Institutional visits continue to be suspended
To ensure the ongoing safety of staff and inmates:
- visits
- temporary absences
- work releases, and
- group education and programs
will continue to be suspended and CSC is continually reassessing this. CSC encourages inmates and their loved ones to stay connected during this time, by either:
- phone
- video visitation, or
- letters
Working remotely
To respond to the substantial growth of remote working, web content has been expanded to address key issues including:
- productivity
- information management, and
- mental health
Many helpful resources are available, such as:
- the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security's:
- the Canada School of Public Service Digital Academy's:
Content will continue to be added, linking to additional material and other resources.
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Working remotely
CSC is adding content to the Hub and to its website regularly. I invite you to review and share this information and check in frequently for updates.
I want to thank everyone for doing their part to reduce traffic on the network by following best practices for teleworking, as well as the VPN schedule.
Tips and tools for virtual teams
The Canada School of Public Service (CSPS) has released some tips for operating on a virtual team. As we adjust to our new routines, these tools are useful in ensuring we communicate effectively and remain connected.
Review CSPS's tips for working virtually:
- COVID-19: Working Virtually
- COVID-19: Working Remotely: Tips for Team Members
- COVID-19: Working Remotely: Tips for Team Leaders
- Virtual Team Toolkit
- Virtual Team Charter Guidelines
Performance management and performance assessments
In light of COVID-19, CSC is suspending deadlines for the completion of 2019 to 2020 employee performance reviews and the administration of performance pay for both executives and non-executives, subject to any collective agreement or legislative requirements. Specific adjustments to the process, deadlines, and guidance will be communicated in the coming weeks.
Your health and safety remains CSC's top priority as we face this challenge together. CSC will continue to keep you informed.
For up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit:
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