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

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

COVID-19 cases are still fluctuating across the country and we still have active cases in several of our institutions. As I mentioned earlier this week, even though many communities are lifting public health measures, masks are still required in all federal workplaces, including our CSC offices and institutions.

Please be mindful of wearing your mask properly at work. We know this, in combination with other layers of protection, help to limit the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in our facilities. Thank you for your continued cooperation.

• For the latest update of the Public Service Occupational Program COVID-19 Guidance.

How you can help Ukraine

The tragic news of the ongoing war against Ukraine and humanitarian crisis continues to touch us all, particularly those with families in Ukraine and ties to the country. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this. While many of you are wondering how to help, I want to remind you that the Government of Canada recently launched a matching fund, which has now reached its goal of $30 million. Global Affairs Canada has since committed to match every donation made by individual Canadians to the Canadian Red Cross Ukraine humanitarian crisis.

• Donate to the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal

Your support assists with:

• relief efforts,
• long-term recovery,
• helping those displaced by the conflict, and
• other critical humanitarian activities.

Thank you for your generosity.

• How can you help during a disaster abroad

Leadership Connexion

I am pleased to announce that CSC is taking steps to meet its commitment to take action and promote:

• equity,
• diversity, and
• inclusion

in the workplace by launching the Leadership Connexion Program (Mentorship Plus).  

This program is tailored to align with CSC’s priorities and commitments to remove barriers and implement strategies that focus on inclusive leadership development. CSC will begin with a pilot, and commits to:

• listening,
• learning, and
• making necessary adjustments,

to ensure a robust program prior to full implementation.   

The Leadership Connexion Program will focus on supporting high potential candidates from underrepresented groups who aspire to leadership and management positions. Senior executives will be matched with participants who identify as belonging to one of the employment equity and/or equity seeking groups. The sponsors will actively participate in the career development of these participants by providing support and guidance.

As our departmental lead for the program, Nick Fabiano, Assistant Commissioner, Human Resource Management, will provide more details on eligibility and the application process over the next coming days. 

• Find out more about Mentorship Plus.

Inspiring women

Earlier this month, in recognition of International Women’s Day, Angela Connidis, Champion for the National Working Group for Women Employees, invited all CSC employees to share stories of women who have helped shape their lives. Thank you for sending your stories and pictures. They are now available on the Hub and I invite you to take a few minutes to read them and learn more about these truly inspiring women.

• Women Inspiring Women (internal resource only)

Angela will be retiring on April 1, 2022. Angela has made many positive contributions to the Government of Canada over the course of her 25 years of service, including the last two and a half years she spent with CSC as Deputy Commissioner for Women. Please join me in wishing Angela well as she starts this new and exciting chapter. 

St. John’s Indigenous bike program

Kudos to the:

• Atlantic Region Indigenous Initiatives team,
• CORCAN,
• the Newfoundland and Labrador Citizen Advisory Committee, and
• their partners,

for coming together to develop a bike repair and restoration program that helps support and uplift the most vulnerable population in St. John’s, Newfoundland. This program is a way for Indigenous offenders under community supervision to use their skills in a positive and supportive environment, and give back to the community. I encourage you to read about this exciting project in Let’s Talk Express: 

• St. John’s Indigenous Bike Program

Federal Safety, Security, and Intelligence Career Fair

Spread the word and tell friends and acquaintances who you think would enjoy working at CSC that we are hiring. Invite them to the virtual Federal Safety, Security, and Intelligence Career Fair on March 30, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (EDT) where they can participate in information sessions and a virtual recruitment kiosk. We are joining our public safety and security partners and departments to promote the diverse, exciting, and rewarding jobs in safety and security.

• The Federal Safety, Security, and Intelligence Career Fair

National Indigenous Languages Day

March 31 is National Indigenous Languages Day. Indigenous languages embody:

• culture,
• ideas,
• social memory,
• history, and
• self-identity.

Language connects individuals, families, and communities. Through language, we have the opportunity to hand down:

• traditions,
• wisdom, and
• knowledge

to the next generations. 

As a federal government and a country, we have much work to do to repair historic harms, which have affected Indigenous peoples’ languages and culture. Since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada tabled its report in 2015, the government has committed to respond to the report’s call to action by supporting Indigenous peoples as they:

• reclaim,
• revitalize,
• maintain, and
• strengthen

their languages.

On National Indigenous Languages Day, take the opportunity to:

• learn about,
• recognize, and
• celebrate

the rich and diverse heritage of Indigenous languages in our country.

Once again, thank you for your continued:

• hard work,
• professionalism, and
• dedication.

We are also approaching the end of the fiscal year and many of you are working hard to meet year-end deadlines, as special thanks to all of you.