COVID-19 update for correctional employees: October 1, 2021

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

Yesterday we marked Orange Shirt Day and the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. I hope that you took time to learn about the history and understand the ongoing impacts of residential schools. I know there are generations of suffering that can never be erased, but in partnership with Indigenous peoples, let us find a way to participate in the reconciliation process and move forward together. I also wanted to thank those of you who attended the town hall on Tuesday to mark the day and those of you that showed great courage in sharing your stories.

COVID-19

I am pleased that over 76% of inmates are now fully vaccinated. I would also like to highlight that at this time, 100% of inmates at Kwìkwèxwelhp Healing Village and Pê Sâkâstêw Centre have received at least their first dose of the vaccine. Thank you to all of you who have contributed to this and continue to be involved in administering vaccines to the inmate population.

Recent hospitalizations and critical care admissions in Canadian communities have been primarily unvaccinated people. The best way to protect yourself and others from becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 is to:

• get vaccinated,
• wear your mask,
• wash or sanitize your hands frequently, and
• keep a physical distance of two metres.

Please stay home if you feel ill.

Canadian Police and Peace Officer National Memorial Day

I was honoured to be the Honourary Parade Marshall on Sunday, September 26, at the 44^th Annual Police and Peace Officer National Memorial Service on Parliament Hill. I joined the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and two invited representatives for CSC:

• Patrick Kowalchuk, Sergeant-Major for the Ontario Region, Guard of Honour, and Primary Worker at Grand Valley Institution; 
• Frédéric Gauthier, Sergeant-Major for the Quebec Region, Guard of Honour, and Correctional Officer II at Archambault Institution.

It was a touching service to honour those who have died while keeping others safe.

Pride Season Ends

Over the past several months, we celebrated Pride Season from coast to coast to coast:

• proudly flying the progressive Pride flag,
• painting rainbow sidewalks, and
• participating in diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Our efforts in fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce, however, cannot stop. Year round, it is important we continue to put in the:

• time,
• energy, and
• hard work

needed to promote diversity, and increase inclusion for people of all genders and sexual orientations. I would like to thank LGBTQ2 staff and allies for championing the Positive Space Initiative at CSC, and for creating a stronger and more inclusive public service sector.

Women's History Month

October is Women's History Month, which is an opportunity for us to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Canadian women. Throughout Canada's history, women have made in roads in traditionally male professions, such as:

• lawyers,
• doctors,
• scientists,
• engineers,

and been instrumental in securing women's:

• freedoms,
• rights, and
• equal opportunities.

Women in Canadian History has some great information about some of the women who have shaped our country.

Occupational Therapy Month

Every October, Occupational Therapy Month celebrates a health-care profession that assists and enables individuals with physical and/or mental health concerns to do daily tasks, such as:

• getting dressed,
• participating in school and work, and
• engaging in social activities.

CSC's occupational therapists work with offenders and teach them life skills to help them participate in activities in a meaningful way. Thank you to all our occupational therapists for your important contributions!

Mental Illness Awareness Week

From October 3 to 9, Mental Illness Awareness Week is an opportunity to recognize the impacts of mental illness in our collective lives.

The pandemic has created uncertainty that may have created:

• fear,
• stress, or
• worry.

Social and cultural factors influence people's perceptions of mental health. As a result, there continues to be stigma surrounding mental illness, which is often a barrier to treatment. Many of us, or our loved ones, may have struggled with some degree of mental health issues. Your mental health is important. Please take the time to check in with yourself, as well as those close to you to see how they are doing.

It is important for everyone's health to:

• understand,
• learn,
• talk, and
• listen.

Mental Illness Awareness Week kicks off with a virtual event on managing anxiety in times of workplace uncertainty. The virtual session on October 4, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (EDT), is open to all CSC employees. For more information or to register visit:

• Managing Anxiety During Workplace Transitions

Please remember that EAP referral agents are available to listen to you and help find appropriate, helpful resources that can respond to your needs. In addition, Employee Assistance Services are available not only to all employees, but also to eligible family members 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

World Habitat Day

Monday, October 4, marks World Habitat Day, which acknowledges everyone's right to a safe and accessible place to live. As a way to mark this important day, I would like to highlight the recently announced partnership between CORCAN and Mosquito, Grizzly Bear's Head, Lean Man First Nation Economic Development Corporation to build high quality modular ready-to-move homes. The building project will not only provide valuable learning opportunities for inmates, but will help build better communities by offering affordable houses. I am very proud of this partnership and want to congratulate everyone involved. Your work will have a positive effect on our communities for generations to come, and you should be very proud of that.

World Teacher's Day

October 5 is World Teacher's Day, and I want to recognize the valuable work of our teachers in institutions across the country. During the pandemic, teachers demonstrated innovation and adapted their approaches to deliver quality education to their students. This ensured students' access to learning opportunities and education programs that focus on improving literacy, academic, and personal skills. Their guidance and encouragement are crucial to prepare offenders for their release and reintegration into the community. I want to extend my personal appreciation to all our teachers for the dedication you demonstrate each day.