COVID-19 update for correctional employees: December 10, 2021

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

I hope you are keeping warm and safe as we settle into colder December weather. Our thoughts continue to be with our colleagues in British Columbia as they work to support each other and rebuild their communities in the wake of the devastating flooding of the past few weeks. We are thinking of you as well as other colleagues affected by extreme weather events.

COVID-19 update

We continue to hear about the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron. Medical experts are indicating that a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccination can strengthen the body’s immune defences. Each province and territory has different eligibility criteria for the booster shot, so I encourage you to check with your local public health authority for details. 

Seasonal flu shot

As we approach mid-December and the holiday season, I would like to remind you of the importance of getting a flu shot. Influenza can be very serious and is easily spread to others. I strongly encourage you to consider getting a flu shot this season.

Humans Rights Day

Today is Human Rights Day. We celebrate this day every year on December 10—the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, which affirms the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being. This year’s theme is “Equality - Reducing inequalities, advancing human rights”. This commemorative day is celebrated worldwide as an opportunity to promote the principles of equality and non-discrimination, and to find solutions to deep-rooted discrimination that affects vulnerable people in our society.

At CSC, principles of:

• equality
• inclusion, and
• non-discrimination

guide how we treat:

• each other
• our colleagues, and
• inmates.

Find out more about Human Rights Day on the Hub.

Anti-racism, diversity and inclusion

A couple of weeks ago, I announced that Kirstan Gagnon was our new Champion for:

• anti-racism
• diversity, and
• inclusion

Please take a minute to watch this short video as she introduces herself and speaks about her vision.

Also, as of Monday, a new “Anti-Racism, Diversity and Inclusion” section will be added to This Week at CSC. I encourage you to consult it on a weekly basis as resources, such as information about events and initiatives, as well as updates on CSC’s progress will be shared. I cannot stress enough that we all have a role to play, both individually and collectively, to make change happen. I am counting on you to get involved and be part of the solution - I believe in the improvements we can make together.

Finally, I wanted to share with you the updated Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics (GDIS) Hub launched by Statistics Canada.

•  Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics (GDIS) Hub

It includes information on diverse population groups in Canada and serves as the primary platform for disseminating products and information related to:

• Statistics Canada’s Disaggregated Data Action Plan

This plan aims at producing detailed statistical information to highlight the experiences of specific population groups, such as:

• women
• Indigenous peoples
• racialized populations, and
• people living with disabilities. 

Communicate with external users on MS Teams

You may now communicate directly with an MS Teams user from another department by using the Teams chat and meeting functions. An external access feature has recently been enabled for Microsoft Teams, which allows communication between Government of Canada departments.

Please note that external Government of Canada users cannot be added to:

• internal teams
• channels
• group chats, and
• cannot have files sent to them via Teams.

This will reduce the likelihood of data leaks, data loss, or accidental exposure to internal conversations.

Letter writing kits for inmates

The Canadian Families and Corrections Network has been working closely with CSC to distribute letter writing kits at our institutions. These kits provide inmates with a creative opportunity to communicate with their family and friends. Each kit contains a brown envelope with pieces of lined, blank and child-friendly stationery, white envelopes, and a pen.

If your institution has not yet requested the letter writing kits or requires additional inventory, please contact:

• national@cfcn-rcafd.org

to place your order. During this holiday season, let us support this great initiative to provide inmates with opportunities for them to connect with their loved ones.

Thank you for your ongoing dedication to CSC.