COVID-19 update for correctional employees: May 6, 2022

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

I want to start by thanking you for keeping up with our health and safety measures. We continue to see cases in our institutions and in our surrounding communities and it is important to limit the introduction and spread of COVID-19 as much as possible.

Highlighting mental health and wellness

I am pleased that the importance of mental health has become part of the mainstream conversation in the last few years. Nathalie Dufresne-Meek, former Director General of Labour Relations and Workplace Management, was a strong advocate for wellness in the workplace throughout her career. Prior to her recent retirement, Nathalie shared her advice and wisdom on mental wellness at CSC.

•  Read Nathalie’s story

As Mental Health Week ends on Sunday, I want to reiterate the importance of taking care of our mental health. Continue to support those around you and reach out for help if you need it.

In case you missed it, here are useful tips and reminders: 

• Mental Health Week (internal resource only)

National Nursing Week

May 9 to 15 is National Nursing Week, and May 12 is International Nursing Day. Our nurses have worked exceptionally hard the past two years during the pandemic to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our institutions. Please take time to join me in thanking CSC’s nurses for all their work. Their ongoing expertise and professionalism, whether:

• providing palliative care
• managing infectious diseases, or
• administering vaccine

continues to make a significant contribution not only to healthier CSC institutions, but also to healthier communities.

Jewish Heritage Month

Throughout May, Canadian Jewish Heritage Month, is an opportunity to commemorate the Jewish:

• culture
• faith, and
• history

People of Jewish heritage have made significant contribution to communities across Canada for 250 years, including in:

• the medicine
• the arts
• law
• politics, and 
• the public service sector

It is important to recognize the courage, determination, and resilience that members of the Jewish faith have shown throughout history. Understanding and appreciating of the contribution different communities make to Canada brings us closer together. I encourage you all to take time this month:

• to talk with your Jewish colleagues, and
• to reflect and learn more about Jewish Heritage Month

Asian Heritage Month

May is Asian Heritage Month. This year’s theme is Continuing a Legacy of Greatness. Asian Heritage Month is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the valuable contributions of Canadians of Asian descent to our society. At CSC, it is an important time to commemorate the innovation and perseverance of Asian Canadians across the federal public service. Anti-Asian racism has been on a rapid rise since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This month is a reminder for all Canadians to come together to combat racism and discrimination in all its forms. We must all speak out and take a strong stance against all forms of:

• discrimination
• racism, and
• xenophobia

I encourage you to use the virtual background for your online meetings, and participate in Asian Heritage Month 2022 celebrations!

• Virtual background

Visit the Employment Equity and Diversity Committee Hub page for info on upcoming webinars:

• Employment Equity and Diversity Committee Hub page (internal resource only)

Register for Victims Week event

Victims and Survivors of Crime Week 2022 will take place from May 15 to 21, 2022, and the theme for the week is The Power of Collaboration. The Department of Justice Canada will be hosting virtual events and registration by May 13, at noon (EDT), is required in order to participate.  

• View the Victims and Survivors of Crime Week Program
• Register here by May 13

CSC’s connection to the Queen

This year, Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Platinum Jubilee, commemorating her 70-year reign. We have a number of important connections to the Queen. The Correctional Exemplary Service Medal, given to many outstanding employees over the years is an important royal recognition. In 1979, the Queen also signed the design for the CSC badge that we wear on our uniforms.

The CSC badge is a unifying symbol that elicits pride and is emblematic of our commitment to changing lives and protecting Canadians. For those who wear a uniform: each day, you demonstrate our shared values to Canadians by displaying your badge and wearing your uniform with pride.

After 39 years, I can say that I still have a strong sense of pride each time I wear my uniform. Thank you all for your work. I know your jobs are often challenging, but collectively what we do is essential to keep our communities safe.

• Read The Royal Treatment: CSC’s connection to the Queen to learn more about it.

Sunday, May 8 is Mother’s Day. I would like to wish all of you who are mothers a very happy day. The contributions mothers make to our families, communities, and society are immeasurable. Let the moms in your life know how much they are appreciated, not just on Sunday, but every day.