COVID-19 update for correctional employees: July 29, 2022

I want to thank you for continuing to follow the infection prevention and control measures against COVID-19. This helps to limit the introduction and spread of the virus in our workplaces and institutions.

International AIDS Conference 

I am pleased to share that some of our health professionals are participating in the International AIDS conference in Montreal over the next few days. Since 2016, CSC has significantly expanded its prevention and harm reduction initiatives in an effort to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases. Our approach has been effective in reducing rates of these blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections among the federal inmate population over the last several years. I want to thank our Health Services staff for their efforts and for sharing our:

• progress
• successes, and
• challenges

with our international colleagues. Your dedication and expertise are much appreciated!

Emancipation Day 

August 1 is Emancipation Day, which commemorates the date in 1834, when slavery was abolished throughout the British Empire. This includes the land that is now Canada, where both Black and Indigenous Peoples were enslaved. Those who fought enslavement were pivotal in shaping our society to be as diverse as it is today. I encourage you, on Monday, to reflect on this dark part of our country’s history. It is important to educate yourself and be engaged in the ongoing fight against Black racism and discrimination.  

The Employment and Equity Diversity Committee (EEDC) in the Quebec region took the initiative to create a video about what Emancipation Day means to individuals. I encourage you to watch this valuable video as part of your reflection. Thank you to the EEDC in Quebec!

Minister Mendicino visits Stan Daniels Healing Centre

On July 26, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino visited the Stan Daniels Healing Centre in Edmonton, Alberta. The community residential facility is managed by the Native Counselling Services of Alberta, and serves as a Section 81 Healing Lodge for federal Indigenous offenders. I am pleased that Minister Mendicino had the opportunity to tour the premises and meet residents of the centre, who shared their personal stories as well as our partners at Stan Daniels and Buffalo Sage Wellness House for Women. It was a good opportunity for him to learn about the traditional programs and supports available to Indigenous offenders, and the valuable work that CSC staff do collaboratively with our partners. I want to thank everyone who supported this visit and who contribute every day to the successful reintegration of offenders.

Federal Youth Network Departmental Showcase

This summer, the Federal Youth Network is offering a virtual Departmental Showcase every Tuesday afternoon that is open to students and public servants of all ages. The innovative series promotes an enterprise-wide sense of pride in being a public servant by showcasing work in select departments, as well as conversations about possible career opportunities. Thank you to:

• Anthony Leclerc
• Nina Halstead, and
• Jennifer Gould

who participated in CSC’s showcase on July 26. A big thank you also to all the staff who make our organization a great place to work! I encourage you to check out the interesting showcase events in August. 

For more information and to register, please visit:

• GC Wiki

Audit of Organizational Culture

I would like to update you on the Audit of Organizational Culture, which is being conducted by the Internal Audit and Evaluation Sector. You should have received an email from Quorus Consulting Group with a link to the survey earlier this month. It provides you with an opportunity to share your perspectives on our organization’s culture.

If you have not received your unique link or are experiencing technical difficulties, please send an email to:

• surveys@quorusconsulting.com

The information provided through the survey will not be shared with management and will not be attributed back to the individual who provided it. Quorus Consulting Group will compile the information and remove all data that would be able to identify the participants. 

I have asked managers to ensure you are provided the opportunity to complete the survey. Please take the time to participate, your point of view is important and will help shape our organization. Focus groups will begin in the fall; staff who are selected to participate will receive additional information at that time.

For many provinces and territories, the first Monday in August is a holiday. To those who will be off, I hope you enjoy a relaxing long weekend. Thank you to the staff who will be working on Monday. Your hard work and commitment is much appreciated.