COVID-19 update for correctional employees: April 8, 2022

Many communities are now experiencing a sixth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, and experts expect that the virus will continue to circulate for the foreseeable future. Although public health measures are being lifted in some of our communities, we must remain vigilant. Being fully vaccinated and getting a booster shot are still the most effective means of protection against getting seriously ill from COVID-19.

I am pleased to note that in-person visits are now permitted at several of our sites. This is a welcome change for our inmates and their families who are allowed to have brief physical contact at the beginning and end of their visit. Thank you to staff in our Visits and Correspondence areas for facilitating this important element of support for the people in our care and custody. More information on visits can be found on our website:

• Visiting status of federal correctional institutions

Budget 2022

Yesterday afternoon, on April 7, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, presented the federal 2022 budget in the House of Commons. It includes funding for measures to continue addressing the prevention and spread of COVID-19 in our facilities. We are studying the budget and working with other government departments to determine what other funding may impact CSC in the future. We will share more detailed information in the coming weeks.

• Budget 2022

Visit to the Federal Training Centre

On April 1, the Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public and Safety joined me for a tour of the Federal Training Centre in the Quebec region. I would like to thank all staff who helped prepare for our visit and those who we met on our tour. The Minister appreciated all the work being done and the opportunity to hear from those who are working hard on our front lines.

Canadian Public Health Week and World Health Day

This week was the first Canadian Public Health Week and yesterday, April 7, was World Health Day. It serves as an opportunity to remind us of the importance of taking care of our health and well-being. At any time, if you have questions or concerns about your health, please speak with Health Services.

The pandemic put a spotlight on public health measures and I want to recognize the efforts of all staff for the adjustments made and highlight the tireless dedication of health services staff for supporting and addressing the health needs of individuals in our care. I encourage you to take a few moments to reflect on the hard work accomplished this past year.

Pope apology: residential schools

Last week, a delegate of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples visited the Vatican and met with Pope Francis to highlight the harm done to generations of people and their communities by Canada’s residential school system. Many of these schools were run by Roman Catholic priests and nuns. After a week of sharing personal stories and explaining how the residential schools had tried to destroy Indigenous identities, culture and spiritual values, the Pope made a formal apology. Much needs to be done on the road to reconciliation, but an apology from the Roman Catholic church has long been sought for as an important step to help many residential school survivors, their families and communities move forward on their healing journey.

I would like to remind you that:

• the National Residential School Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day at 1-866-925-4419 if you need support

EAP referral agents  (internal resource only) are also available to listen and help you find appropriate, helpful resources that can respond to your needs. In addition, Employee Assistance Services (internal resource only) are available not only to all employees, but also to eligible family members 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Ukraine

We continue to hear distressing news about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It is shocking to read media reports about the violence and destruction of Ukrainian cities and the thousands of refugees fleeing to other countries. Our hearts are with those in peril in the country and with our staff who have loved ones and friends in Ukraine.

Be aware of phishing

Due to a recent rise in the frequency of spear phishing and SMS phishing campaigns, the Communications Security Establishment would like to remind you to be mindful of any suspicious emails or text messages. I invite you to learn more about safe practices that will keep our information and systems secure:

• Spear phising and SMS phising campaigns (internal resource only)

CSC’s management of COVID-19 highlighted by the World Health Organization

I am proud to share that our efforts and practices to manage the COVID-19 pandemic were highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in a report released earlier this week on good practices in:

• preparing
• preventing, and
• controlling COVID-19 in correctional facilities

More than any other country, Canada’s efforts were highlighted by the WHO, including measures taken by CSC to reduce the introduction and transmission of COVID-19 through:

• the development of an early warning surveillance report
• contract tracing efforts
• infection prevention and control measures, as well as
• modified staffing protocols

Thank you for your dedication and continued efforts since the first day of this pandemic. To check out the full report:

• Good practices in managing infectious diseases in prison settings

Thank you for your ongoing dedication. Your hard work does not go unnoticed and is much appreciated.