COVID-19 update for correctional employees: July 30, 2021
This content is a message to Correctional Service Canada (CSC) staff from CSC's Commissioner.
I am very proud of the exceptional work done by staff to coordinate the provision of vaccinations to offenders. Approximately 70 percent of our inmate population have received two doses of vaccine. Thank you.
Keep up the good work and I urge you to get yourself vaccinated, if you have not already taken the opportunity to do so. It protects:
- you,
- your family,
- and your colleagues
from becoming very ill with the virus.
Please continue to follow infection and prevention control measures at all times:
- wear a mask
- wash/sanitize your hands often; and
- practice physical distancing.
The numbers show we are making progress together.
Renewing Agreements with Healing Lodges
I am pleased to report that we have renewed agreements with Native Counselling Services of Alberta to operate two healing lodges for federal offenders: the Stan Daniels Healing Centre and Buffalo Sage Wellness House, in Edmonton, Alberta.
We have also renewed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nekaneet First Nation for the operation of the Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge near Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, for another 25 years. Our collaboration with Native Counselling Service of Alberta, all Section 81 healing lodges, and the Nekaneet First Nation has been essential in the development and delivery of services to the First Nations, Inuit and Métis offender population that make a difference and help offenders successfully reintegrate into the community.
Emancipation Day
August 1 is Emancipation Day. On this day in 1834, slavery was finally abolished when the Slavery Abolition Act came into effect throughout the British Empire. This past March, Members of Parliament voted unanimously to designate the day nationwide in recognition of this important event.
Taking a Stand on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at CSC
As you know, we review the results of the Public Service Employee Survey (PSES) with care in order to identify areas for improvement. The latest survey revealed gaps between CSC and other departments across the federal government in diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism. We need to do better. This is also a federal government priority, and one I intend to address head on. I know that leadership starts at the top. This is why I have signed, and asked the executive cadre to sign, a Statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace and commit to taking action against:
- racism,
- discrimination; and
- barriers to inclusion.
It is imperative that we build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive CSC. As the Clerk of the Privy Council stated, “Inaction is not an option"
Renewed Structured Intervention Unit Implementation Advisory Panel
As part of the external oversight of Structured Intervention Units (SIUs), the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, the Honourable Bill Blair, announced the renewal of the SIU Implementation Advisory Panel (IAP) on July 23, 2021. Howard Sapers, the former Correctional Investigator of Canada will serve as Chair for a period of two years. Dr. Anthony Doob, chair of the original SIU IAP has agreed to continue as a member of the renewed Panel. Once reinstated, the renewed Panel will monitor, assess and report on issues related to the ongoing implementation and operation of SIUs.
- Government of Canada appoints Chair of Renewed Structured Intervention Unit Implementation Advisory Panel
- Structured Intervention Units and the Implementation Advisory Panel
Beekeeping Program Helps Offenders
Did you know that CORCAN, as part of its agricultural program, maintains beekeeping operations at:
- Collins Bay,
- Joyceville; and
- Stony Mountain Institutions
The program is one of many that provides offenders the opportunity to learn technical and essential skills that contribute to their ability to find employment upon release. Kudos to the instructors and volunteers who are inspiring inmates to find and develop interesting hobbies and vocations. You can read more about the beekeeping initiative in Let’s Talk Express.
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