COVID-19 update for correctional employees: July 2, 2021

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

I am pleased to report that for a third week in a row, we have zero cases of COVID-19 among our inmate population. In addition, CSC has vaccinated over 76% of the offender population with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and over 66% have been fully vaccinated. This number continues to go up as we continue to offer second doses of the vaccine. Thank you to everyone who has helped to plan, set up and administer these clinics.

Thank you for the work you all have done to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Your actions in keeping up with our infection prevention and control measures are essential and continue to help prevent the spread of the virus. Keep up the good work.

As you know, being fully vaccinated is one of the best measures you can do to keep yourself healthy, as well as:

• your family
• colleagues, and
• the offenders in our care

Please get vaccinated when the opportunity is offered to you. If you have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine, here is some helpful information to help you make a decision:

• Vaccines and immunization

Wildfire in BC

Following the record heat wave in many parts of the country, the village of Lytton, BC was evacuated a few days ago due to a wildfire that destroyed hundreds of homes. Our thoughts are with those who live in that devastated area and may be impacted by this event. Stay safe.

National Indigenous History Month close

National Indigenous History Month came to an end on Wednesday with all of us coming to grips with the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at several former Indian residential schools. This deeply affects us, especially our Indigenous employees and partners. Please support your colleagues and Indigenous offenders during this time. I encourage you to continue to:

• reflect
• remember, and
• together, move forward on a path of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

This year, National Indigenous History Month called upon us to step up our commitment to learning, about the rich and diverse cultures and voices of:

• First Nations
• Inuit, and
• Métis people

and to also explore the history that includes the:

• racism
• trauma, and
• inequalities

This is also something that we must work to resolve in our present and future. Each of us have a role to play in reconciliation.

During National Public Service Week, hundreds of you registered for Talking Circles held by Elders across the country. On National Indigenous Peoples Day, I shared resources for you to continue your learning journey through online platforms, including the:

• CSPS Indigenous Learning Series

Canada has a rich diversity of:

• Indigenous literature, and
• Indigenous cinema

to further your learning through media that is entertaining and often hilarious. Let us support Indigenous peoples who continue to share their cultures and demonstrate their resilience.

Second live discussion with Black employees

The Black Employee Network will host a second live discussion with Nick Fabiano, Assistant Commissioner, Human Resource Management, on Monday, July 5. All Black employees and allies are invited to join:

• Open Mic with Nick Part 2
  from 12:00 to 1:00 pm (ET)
  on MS Teams

to ask questions, share experiences, and participate in the discussion. This is your opportunity to speak up; we are listening! If you have not already, join:

• the Black Employee Network on MS Teams to get connected

Events, not only of the last month, but of the past year, have reminded us to be more acutely aware of the discrimination and racism that exists in our society and profoundly affects racialized communities across our country. It is of the utmost importance that we work to actively to:

• listen
• learn, and
• act upon

what we hear from our:

• colleagues
• offenders, and
• stakeholders

who are members of racialized communities or religious minorities. We need to take every opportunity to:

• affect change
• promote diversity, and
• create a more inclusive workplace

I thank you for your:

• efforts
• dedication, and
• collaboration

in helping us to further our important work to build an anti-racist organization.

I wish you all a great weekend! Thanks again for everything you do.