COVID-19 update for correctional employees: March 18, 2022

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

Good news, Sunday is the first day of spring, which brings us longer days. I hope you all benefit from these additional hours of light, and enjoy the warmer weather.

We have surmounted hurdles and adjusted to challenges these past two years, demonstrating our strength and resilience. As case counts decline in communities across the country, provinces and territories are starting to relax their restrictions. At CSC, we are monitoring the trajectory of the pandemic closely and are adjusting our approach accordingly in consultation with our public health partners.

Having said this, there are still a number of positive cases among staff and inmates in institutions across this country. Please take this as a reminder to continue to practice measures to prevent transmission, as you resume activities in your day-to-day life. Keep yourself healthy for your own sake and for the sake of those around you. 

Agricultural Safety Week

Agricultural Safety Week reminds us of the importance of safe practices in our institutional farming. Over the past year, offenders participating in the CORCAN agriculture program at Collins Bay and Joyceville Institutions have completed a total of 52 agriculture related safety courses. Thank you again to the CORCAN staff who work on the farms, educating and providing offenders with skills that will assist in their employment search upon release.

Journée internationale de la Francophonie

March 20 is the Journée internationale de la Francophonie. On this day, we acknowledge and commemorate contributions that shape the diversity of Francophone culture and the French language in Canada. Please join Francophones at CSC and around the world in reconnecting with who we are, honour the traditions that forge our identities and, above all, celebrate the beauty of the Canadian Francophonie in all of its depth and diversity. 

Check out the calendar for the activities near you: 

• Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie

International Day of Happiness

March 20 is also the International Day of Happiness, a day to recognize the importance of happiness in our lives. I know that the pandemic has had an impact on all of us, coupled with media reports about the conflict in the Ukraine, it might be difficult to find happiness in the current context, but it remains helpful to understand the relationship between happiness and our health.

• Making time for yourself,
• connecting with your loved ones, and
• getting plenty of sleep and exercise

have a positive effect on your wellbeing.

As we look forward to the changes coming post pandemic, it is important to focus on how to increase happiness in your life and make wellbeing a priority in our workplace. Consider how you can spread happiness and joy to those around you, one small intentional act at a time!

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, on March 21, is another opportunity to explore the root causes of racism and consider efforts to eliminate all forms or racial discrimination. The day calls for us to take action as individuals and as an organization. 

Three practical things you can do to celebrate International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination at CSC:

• Share your thoughts: Talk to someone about what racial discrimination means to you and its potential impact.
• Get involved: Suggest to your employment equity and diversity committee ways you can help make your workplace more inclusive. You can also submit your ideas to the National Employment Equity and Diversity Committee.
• Engage others: Organize a learning session to generate positive discussion on building inclusion where you work.

As individuals, we can work on:

• listening to other people’s experiences,
• validating their feelings,
• demonstrating empathy, and
• taking action.

At CSC, we are committed to having an:

• inclusive,
• diverse, and
• discrimination free

workplace where everyone feels comfortable.

You are invited to attend the Employment Equity and Diversity Committee’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Webinar on March 21, from 9:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (EDT) (internal resource only).

For more webinars and resources, please see the EEDC Hub page on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (internal resource only).

Creating a culture of:

• tolerance,
• acceptance, and
• respect

is something we can all be part of. I appreciate the work you are doing to make this happen.

It calls for:

• listening,
• understanding,
• kindness, and
• support of each other.

Thank you, not only for the hard work you do every day in your role, but also for fostering strong relationships with your colleagues. Together, we are making CSC a better place.