COVID-19 update for correctional employees: July 16, 2021

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

I am happy to report that there have been zero cases of COVID-19 among our inmate population for the past five weeks straight. This is positive news, and it is thanks to the efforts of our dedicated staff!  You continue to do great work in implementing our infection prevention and control measures in all of our workplaces.

The vaccine clinics were also quite successful. We now have almost 77% of inmates who received a first dose and almost 70% who received their two doses. Thank you for everything you do to keep our workplaces safe.

We are gradually transitioning to increased activities within our institutions. Although, some provinces are moving towards not requiring masks, I wanted to let you know that, in all of our workplaces, we will maintain our infection and prevention control measures and:

• continue to wear masks, as well as
• continue washing/sanitizing our hands often, and
• practice physical distancing

until further notice.

Our decisions will continue to be guided by the latest public health data and evidence as the situation continues to evolve.

We have many different work environments across the country, depending on the different functions you may perform at CSC. As mentioned in my past two messages, we have started to look at what our post-pandemic workplaces will look like. I will keep you updated on this as work progresses.

Run for Women

Congratulations to everyone who participated in, or donated to, the 2021 virtual Run for Women. I am proud to say, CSC had 24 teams and 328 participants who ran or walked between July 4 and 11 for women’s mental health. They raised $29,834 in donations. This, combined with $11,480 in entry fees to the local charity, means that they contributed an impressive $41,314 to an important cause! I am inspired and proud that so many of you came together to support this event. I think it underscores the importance of mental health, particularly over the last year. I am pleased that CSC Teams were well ranked for their fundraising efforts:

• Vancouver #9
• Saskatoon #4
• Winnipeg #3
• Ottawa #6
• Waterloo #2
• Montreal #9
• Quebec City #1
• Moncton #4, and
• St. John’s #10

Well done; you proved that together, we can make a difference.

World Day for International Justice and Nelson Mandela International Day

July 17 is World Day for International Justice, as part of an effort to recognize the emerging system of international criminal justice and promote the rights of victims.

Sunday, July 18 is Nelson Mandela International Day, recognized globally to:

• promote humane prison conditions
• raise awareness that prisoners are an integral part of society, and
• value the work of prison staff

Mr. Mandela is recognized for his efforts in championing:

• global human rights
• equality
• democracy, and
• peace

July 18 is the day he was born.

I am very proud of our contributions in advancing corrections internationally, and assisting other countries that are working to improve their prison systems. This includes contributions by CSC staff to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations abroad, our diverse engagement with our domestic and international partners, as well as our engagement with other organizations, including Canada’s co-chairmanship of the Group of Friends of Corrections in Peace Operations.

In closing, I know it has been quite warm and humid across the country, especially for those working in our institutions. I would like to say thank you to all of you, for your

• commitment and dedication, and
• ongoing work with inmates

Mandela once said:

Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.

Much of CSC’s success is a direct result of your continued hard work and commitment, and I thank you for everything that you do.