COVID-19 update for correctional employees: April 9, 2020

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

I continue to hear people say, in the media, on conference calls, in briefings: these are unprecedented times. They are indeed. In face of the challenges that each of you are addressing every day, I continue to see you rising to meet them every day. I am very proud of you and the work that you are doing. I always say there is no greater responsibility than the care of other human beings, and I see you demonstrating your commitment in the work you are doing:

• in our institutions
• in our correctional community centres
• in our communities, and
• from your home offices

By doing your jobs well and caring for those around you.

Testament to this is the fact that positive COVID-19 cases among Correctional Service Canada's (CSC's) inmate population remains relatively low, at less than 0.5% of our total population. This is due to the quick and conscientious response by the staff across our organization, including:

• responding quickly when people show symptoms
• providing excellent medical care, and
• performing contact tracing diligently

You are doing your jobs exceptionally well and it shows.

There are staff in our organization who have contracted COVID-19. I have had the chance to connect with some of these employees and they are in good spirits and truly appreciate the show of support from their colleagues. I told them that you, like me, wish them a speedy recovery. I was most touched to hear that one of our nurses, who has the virus and is at home recovering, continues to help others and lend support from home. Knowing that some sites need more capacity, she has volunteered to return to work, when she is better and cleared to return. This is who we are at CSC:

• dedicated
• committed, and
• selfless

I think it is important to share these stories.

Tomorrow is the start of a long weekend, and though many of us will still be on duty, I encourage you to make use of all the time you can to spend time with your immediate family as well as call and video-chat with those in your extended family and community. Please take time to take care of yourself.

Thank you again for your hard work and your continued commitment. I wish you and your families well.

Please stay safe and healthy.