COVID-19 update for correctional employees: August 12, 2022

I hope that everyone has an opportunity to take some time to rest and enjoy the summer months. Although CSC staff and operations are not directly affected, the people of Newfoundland are in our thoughts as crews continue to battle forest fires in the region.

National Black Canadian Summit

The third National Black Canadians Summit was held in Halifax, from July 29 to 31, on the eve of the celebrations for Emancipation Day on August 1, which recognizes the day when enslaved Black and Indigenous Peoples in Canada were freed. During the Summit’s workshops, participants were invited:

• to share their:
  • experiences
  • challenges
  • actions, and
• to speak out on what needs to change, how we can and must do better

Staff from the Anti-Racism Diversity and Inclusion Directorate attended.  The conference provided valuable insight and tools that we can apply to our work helping Black offenders in their journey to rehabilitation and reintegration. One session:

• highlighted the Nova Scotia Justice System, “From Reimagining to Reinventing Justice”, and
• discussed the negative perception and experiences of people of African descent within the justice system

The speakers presented new initiatives that could prevent certain people from unnecessary engagement with the legal system. This information is important to the work we do at CSC.

International Youth Day

August 12 is International Youth Day, which offers an opportunity to highlight youth issues worldwide. Every summer, CSC provides job placements to college and university students, offering them meaningful opportunities to complete the requirements of their educational programs.  This year, we are proud to have hired 273 students through co-op programs and the Federal Student Work Experience Program.  The work that they do and the fresh ideas and diverse perspectives they bring to our workplace are much appreciated. On International Youth Day, take a moment to recognize the excellent contributions these young people make to your workplace. 

If you are a student working at CSC:

• visit the Hub for useful information and resources:
  • Students (internal resource only)
• tell us about your recruitment, orientation, and workplace experiences:
  • Take the Exit Survey (internal resource only) 

Secure Certificate of Indian Status applications 

At CSC, we remain committed to making a positive impact on Indigenous offenders while they are in our care. Since June 2019, Indigenous Services Canada has provided Trusted Source training to more than 245 CSC employees on how to specifically assist First Nations’ offenders to complete and process Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) applications from a federal correctional institution, or while on release in the community. As a recognized form of government-issued identification, the SCIS helps remove barriers and may be used in accessing post-release services and supports, such as health benefits and on-reserve housing and education. To date, more than 731 SCIS cards have been distributed to eligible First Nations individuals. Thank you for supporting Indigenous offenders’ healing and rehabilitation.

National Acadian Day

National Acadian Day is celebrated every August 15 by Acadians, descendants of the French who settled in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in the 17th century. These pioneers played an important role in building our country. However, between 1755 and 1763, the British deported 10,000 Acadians, known as the Great Upheaval. National Acadian Day:

• highlights the resilience of the Acadian people
• recognizes their significant contributions to Canada, and
• celebrates their rich history and culture

I wish all employees with Acadian roots a very happy Acadian Day!

Seventh Step Program

CSC works with many valued and trusted partners to meet our mandate of rehabilitation and reintegration. The Seventh Step Society of Canada offers peer support programs to help offenders change their mindsets so they can get out of prison and stay out. Designed by an ex-offender and dedicated to offenders with many convictions, it is based on the 12-step Alcoholics Anonymous self-help program. I encourage you to read more about the many programs Seventh Step offers. Sites are welcome to reach out to start something new with Seventh Step.

Read more in Let’s Talk Express:

• Seventh Step Society of Canada

Thank you for the tremendous work you do everyday.