COVID-19 update for correctional employees: October 22, 2021

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

It has been a challenging 19 months for everyone as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, but we are getting through it together. I thank you for your commitment and cooperation in following the health guidelines to limit the spread of the virus. 

Vaccination is the most effective tool to reduce the risk of COVID-19. I urge you to get vaccinated if you have not already had a chance to do so. A heartfelt thanks to those of you who are already fully vaccinated for doing your part to keep yourself and those around you safe and healthy. 

I want to remind you that you have one more week to complete your online attestation of your vaccination status in the:

• GC-VATS system

All employees, whether working on-site or remotely, are required to be fully vaccinated by October 29. If you are experiencing problems completing your attestation, please speak to your manager. Thank you to the 78% of you who have completed your attestation so far.

We all play a part in limiting the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for doing your part. 

Women making history in Canada

As Women’s History Month draws to a close, Women and Gender Equality Canada are hosting a panel discussion that focuses on the theme Women Making History Now. The panel recognizes women who are making a lasting impact in our country, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts to advance reconciliation, and the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.

You are invited to join the virtual discussion on Monday, October 25, 2021 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EDT. 

• Find out more and register for the event by 9:30 a.m. on Monday.

International Corrections and Prisons Association Conference

CSC has a long-standing relationship with the:

• International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA),

which allows us to connect with our peers in the global correctional community. We hosted the first ICPA annual conference in 1998 and have participated ever since. This year’s conference, from October 26 to 28, will be virtual with over 80 experts from around the world speaking about topics ranging from correctional leadership to community-based interventions. 

Several CSC colleagues will be presenting on the unique contributions CSC makes to institutional and community corrections. I will be participating in a panel discussion with colleagues from:

• Romania,
• Singapore, and
• the United States

about how we managed COVID-19 in our institutions.

National Infection Control Week 

As we mark National Infection Control Week this week, I cannot thank everyone enough for continuing your tremendous efforts to help us manage through the pandemic. Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures have become part of our daily lives, at work and at home. Thank you to our institutional cleaners and Health Services staff, including those who provide continuous education to staff and inmates to ensure we are up-to-date with our IPC measures and protocols. Your work continues to help us all stay safe and healthy. 

Canadian Patient Safety Week

Next week, October 25 to 29, we will recognize Canadian Patient Safety Week. This annual campaign, organized by Healthcare Excellence Canada, promotes awareness of the importance of patient safety and provision of quality health services. I would like to thank all Health Services staff across the country for their hard work and commitment, especially as we continue to navigate through the pandemic. Your professionalism and dedication to the safety and well-being of the people in our care is commendable.

National Intercept Centre 

I am pleased to share that we opened the National Intercept Centre (NIC) on October 18, 2021. The NIC was created to help support the administration of the intercept program, including the resources to be able to carry out these activities. The NIC offers assistance and support to staff involved in intercept activities in our institutions. This will increase CSC’s intelligence capacity and contribute to our ongoing efforts of preventing the introduction of contraband into the institutions. Overall, improved processes and the enhanced support to our intelligence staff will result in a more efficient intercept program as well as help keep our institutions safe and secure for everyone. Thank you to all those that were involved in launching this new centre.

Dog houses

I wanted to highlight a special project that took place over the summer that demonstrates CSC’s positive contribution to communities, and how building productive relationships can provide offenders with valuable experiences. Through a collaboration with Earthdog Terrier Rescue of Manitoba, and thanks to donated lumber, the CORCAN team at Stony Mountain Institution built 14 doghouses to donate through Earthdog's Reason Initiative. The finished doghouses are headed to northern communities to provide stray dogs with shelter and protection from the elements until they can be adopted. As some of the participants come from northern communities, they know the harsh climate these dogs face. Kudos to everyone involved in this project!

Your continued cooperation in keeping up our health measures and your efforts to help prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in our institutions and communities is much appreciated.