COVID-19 update for correctional employees: September 17, 2021

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

It has been a busy week. I would like to take time to say thank you for everything you do!

This week, I met with our executive committee virtually over the course of three afternoons. We discussed many topics including:

• culture change
• anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion
• digital transformation and modernization, and
• the post-pandemic workplace

The sessions were rich and productive, and we benefitted from presentations by a number of guest speakers. In one of the presentations on culture, we focused on how every single person working for or with CSC counts in helping us fulfill our mission. We also discussed the importance of being inclusive leaders and taking concrete actions to instill the change we want to see.

One of the presentations ended with a thoughtful quote:

Words and actions truly matter in shaping our organization and looking after our people. It is important to take a moment to reflect on this.

Vaccines

We are heading into fall with over 74% of inmates now fully vaccinated. Thank you to everyone who is also now fully vaccinated.

Vaccinations are the best form of protection from:

• serious illness
• hospitalization, and
• death due to COVID-19

and they will protect our health-care system from being overwhelmed.

I appreciate the work being done to:

• roll out vaccines
• conduct testing, and
• implement infection prevention and control measures

This work continues to help keep everyone safe and healthy. 

The names of the three Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccines have changed:

• Moderna is now named SpikeVax
• Pfizer-BioNTech is now Comirnaty, and
• AstraZeneca vaccine is now Vaxzevria

These are the same vaccines, different names.

We currently have two inmates who have tested positive for COVID-19, both at Saskatchewan Penitentiary. The individuals are being closely monitored and we have taken immediate measures to limit the spread of the virus. More detailed information on COVID-19 cases is available on our website: 

• Testing of inmates in federal correctional institutions for COVID-19

This is a reminder of how important it is to continue to follow health and safety protocols:

• get vaccinated
• continue to wear your mask
• wash or sanitize your hands often, and
• keep a physical distance of two metres between yourself and others

These are the best ways to keep ourselves and others from contracting and spreading this contagious virus.

Study of recidivism rates 

Recently, I read a soon-to-be published study of recidivism rates over the past ten years, and I am very pleased to share some of the positive results. Overall, the number and percentage of federal offenders not readmitted to federal custody within five years of their sentence expiry date has increased over the past ten years from 81.38% in 2011-12 to 87.51% in 2020-21. This speaks to the hard work you do every day, and to your dedication to supporting offenders on their path to rehabilitation. This is what our end goal is.

I am proud of your efforts and commitment to helping others turn their lives around, while upholding public safety.

William St Pierre Hughes Correctional Manager Award

The William St Pierre Hughes Correctional Manager Award is a formal award established to recognise correctional managers who:

• strive for excellence
• inspire others
• encourage innovation, and
• empower others to do their job well

This award is presented annually to a recipient from each region.

I am pleased to announce that the recipients for 2020 are:

• Steven Boss, Springhill Institution, Atlantic Region
• Catherine Maranda, Federal Training Centre, Quebec Region
• Wade Goldthorp, Beaver Creek Institution, Ontario Region
• Jason Ferris, Stony Mountain Institution, Prairie Region
• Allan Harder, Regional Treatment Centre, Pacific Region

Congratulations Steven, Catherine, Wade, Jason and Allan for your exemplary work and leadership. 

International Day of Peace

September 21, 2021 is International Day of Peace, which is observed around the world for everyone to commit to peace and building a culture of peace. This year’s theme, Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world, focuses on COVID-19. Although the pandemic has affected people around the world, it has hit underprivileged and marginalized groups the hardest, particularly those living in countries in conflict. Let us take this opportunity to reflect on:

• the impact of the pandemic
• what we have learned, and
• the importance of being there for one another

Gender Equality Week 

From September 19 to 25, 2021, we are celebrating Gender Equality Week!

This year’s theme is Advancing gender equality for all, which is a reminder that all of us:

• women
• men
• non-binary, and
• people of all gender identities

benefit from gender equality initiatives because they lead to:

• greater health
• happiness, and
• economic prosperity for all people

Gender Equality Week celebrates the progress Canada has made in gender equality while reflecting how everyone, regardless of their gender, can reach their full potential. 

To learn more, please visit:

• Women and Gender Equality Canada

Closing

I wanted to share that Justice Trends magazine recently published an interview with me that focuses on the progress we have made at CSC, particularly covering how we handled challenges imposed by the pandemic.

I invite you to read the article:

• A digital leap in Canada’s federal corrections triggered by the pandemic,

and know how proud I am to work at CSC with such capable and committed staff.

Your incredible dedication to our:

• mission
• colleagues
• inmates
• volunteers, and
• stakeholders

is truly remarkable. I am proud of our organization and what we accomplish together to keep Canadians safe. 

The federal election is on Monday, September 20. Take time to exercise your democratic right to vote.