COVID-19 update for correctional employees: February 25, 2022

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

The COVID-19 situation continues to evolve and some communities across the country have announced that they will adopt a phased approach to lifting COVID-19 restrictions. We continue to monitor this closely and work through our Integrated Risk Management Framework process to make decisions related to our institutions and workplaces. The health and safety of staff and inmates remains of utmost importance in any decisions we make.

We have managed through a number of outbreaks in past months.

Thank you for your ongoing:

• hard work,
• dedication, and
• commitment.

I know you are tired and we will get through this, together.

Situation in Ukraine

A few days ago, we heard troubling developments about the invasion of Ukraine. This news is devastating for many Canadians, including our colleagues and friends and family, both at home and abroad. We have been through a lot these past two years and such events, and the imagery we see, can generate much emotion, including stress and concern. Please remember there are resources available if you need support. The 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.

• EAP referral agents (Internal resource only)
• Employee Assistance Services (Internal resource only)

Let us continue to be supportive of our colleagues and communities during these times. If you have questions about family members, there is support and information available through Global Affairs Canada. Please visit their website for details.

• Emergency contact information for Canadians

Black History Month finale

As we reach the end of Black History Month, I want to thank everyone for hosting and participating in events, and reflecting on the challenges Black communities continue to face. I know that many of you have taken the time to celebrate Black History, and I encourage you to continue these efforts year round.

While Black History Month is ending, our work to support:

• Black,
• Indigenous, and
• racialized

colleagues and offenders does not. It is imperative that we all work to build an:

• anti-racist,
• diverse, and
• inclusive organization.

Every day, we have the chance to take a step forward through our:

• actions,
• words, and
• discussions.

Let us look at inclusion as an everyday, every moment movement. It is imperative for each of us to play a role in creating a positive difference as we continue to listen and learn from each other.

As part of that learning, there are three interesting discussions taking place on Monday, February 28, that I encourage you to join.

• 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.:  Georges Laraque, former NHL hockey player, discusses his Black experience in Canada (presented by Employment Equity and Diversity Committee) (Internal resource only)
• 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Spotlight: Activism within Black Communities (presented by Canadian Race Relations Foundation) (Internal resource only)
• 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: A fireside chat with novelist Lawrence Hill, bestselling author of The Book of Negroes, who will speak to his Black experience in Canada. (presented by the Black Employee Network and the ​​Prairies Employment Equity and Diversity Committee) (Internal resource only)

Maxime-Kalifa Sanou: Taking on career challenges

As part of Black History Month, our colleague Maxime-Kalifa Sanou agreed to share his story in Let’s Talk Express. Maxime is proud of his journey within CSC, having left his hometown to take on new challenges in another province. He shares the latest chapter of his career, new life lessons, and his message of hope to fellow members of the Black community. He talks about continuing the efforts of previous Black employees to make our organization a top employer that attracts the best candidates. I encourage you to read Maxime’s inspiring story.

• “A worthwhile sacrifice” – Maxime-Kalifa Sanou tells his story

Emerson Douyon Multiculturalism Award

As announced in October, Heather Finn, A/Regional Administrator, Assessment and Interventions, is the 2020–2021 recipient of the Emerson Douyon Multiculturalism Award. I invite you to read more about Heather’s passion and leadership, which for the past 15 years, has made her a strong advocate and champion of initiatives geared toward the successful reintegration of Black offenders. Congratulations again, Heather!

• Heather Finn: Emerson Douyon Multiculturalism Award 2020–2021 Recipient

Zero Discrimination Day

March 1 is Zero Discrimination Day. This United Nations important day celebrates the right of everyone to live a full and productive life, and live it with dignity. This year, Zero Discrimination Day highlights the urgent need to take action to end the inequalities of:

• income,
• sex,
• age,
• race,
• disability,
• sexual orientation,
• gender identity, and
• religion

around the world. Above all, it is about ending all forms of discrimination. At CSC, each of us has a role to play by promoting:

• tolerance,
• inclusion,
• compassion, and
• respect;

while as an organization, we continue our work to understand and identify barriers embedded within our structures.

I am proud of the impressive participation for Pink Shirt Day where many of you across the country, including senior leaders, wore pink and took a stand against bullying and discrimination. It shows that there is no place for this at CSC. This reflects our commitment to upholding a culture where everyone is respected and uplifted, and able to thrive in the workplace.

Bowden carpentry students make and donate furniture

I learned with great pride that students in Bowden Institution’s carpentry program have donated pieces they made, such as Adirondack chairs and coffee tables, to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Red Deer, Alberta, which uses proceeds from the store to help build homes for low-income families. This eight-week pre-employment program, which teaches carpentry and cabinetmaking techniques, including how to read blueprints, gives inmates the valuable woodworking skills to help them find a job when they are released. Thank you to our teaching staff, and kudos to their students, not only for making beautiful pieces of furniture, but also for donating them to a good cause where they will be appreciated for years to come.

IT security vigilance

Cybersecurity is important for everyone. Cybercrime and fraud can include criminal activities where the Internet and digital technologies, such as computers and mobile phones, are key to committing the crime. CSC is working hard to ensure our systems remain safe, but I would like to remind you that we all have a role to play in taking care of the government owned computers and mobile phones that we use every day. Keep our systems safe, as well as yours at home. Remember to:

• ensure your antivirus software is up to date,
• use strong passwords,
• recognize and report spam and phishing, and
• avoid clicking on suspicious links.

Thank you for being diligent about IT security.