COVID-19 update for correctional employees: August 26, 2022

We are still required to wear masks in CSC workplaces. The Public Service Occupational Health Guidance has been updated to allow masks to be removed when two metres physical distancing can be maintained at a work station or at a meeting. However, this means that if you go to the washroom, are circulating in hallways/buildings or in an elevator, working with inmates, for example, a mask should be worn.

• Public Service Occupational Health Program COVID-19 Guidance

Visit to Millhaven Institution

It has been great to get back out to the regions to tour some facilities. I had the opportunity to visit Millhaven Institution this week, including the Structured Intervention Unit. I met with the management teams, unions and the Inmate Committee. It was a wonderful visit and I was impressed by the great work being undertaken by the staff. Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their experiences and ideas with me. It is always nice to see our employees in action and to witness the passion they have for the important work they do.

International Day for People of African Descent

International Day for People of African Descent on August 31 is an important celebration of the enormous contributions people of African descent have made, and continue to make, to every aspect of our society. This day is also a recognition of the profound injustices and discrimination that people of African descent have not only endured for centuries, but continue to confront today.

The United Nations proclaimed 2015–2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent. In proclaiming this decade, the international community is recognizing that people of African descent represent a distinct group whose human rights must be promoted and protected. Whether they were descendants of the victims of the transatlantic slave trade, or whether they arrived to a foreign country due to immigration, Africans and people of African descent remain some of the poorest and most marginalized groups in the world. I encourage you to reflect, learn, and take action to fight racism and discrimination. We all have a role to play in our everyday lives, both on and off duty.

New Hybrid Work Model

As you know, CSC is embracing an efficient and flexible hybrid model, where work functions permit. This means that those who have been working remotely from home, and who normally work in administrative workplaces, will soon transition to a hybrid model with an option for a mix of telework and in-person work at the workplace.

There is now a page on the Hub dedicated to the Hybrid Work Model, which has information for both employees and managers. I encourage you to explore the Hybrid Work Model on the Hub. It includes key timeframes this Fall such as when telework arrangements need to be in place and implementation will begin.

Audit of Organizational Culture

Thank you to those who already filled out the survey on our organizational culture!

For those who haven’t filled the survey, please take the time to complete it.  Quorus Consultation Group is conducting this survey on behalf of the Internal Audit and Evaluation Sector and the email comes from them.

Your input and insights will help the audit team gain a fulsome understanding of the organizational culture at CSC. Your point of view is important and will help to shape the future of our organization. If you did not receive the survey, require another format (i.e. not written or web-based), or have any technical issues with the survey, please contact Quorus at: 

• surveys@quorusconsulting.com

Monkeypox

CSC is monitoring the monkeypox situation in Canada and globally, and is actively engaged with Public Health Agency of Canada to ensure that we have the most up-to-date information and guidance. CSC Health Services staff have implemented an active screening process for offenders arriving from the community and returning from private family visits.

International Dog Day

Today, August 26, is International Dog Day and I want to take this opportunity to highlight the incredible work of our dedicated detector handlers and their dogs. We are pleased to announce the graduation of our new detector dog teams, K9 Dug, K9 Sax, and K9 Maddie. We use many tools to prevent and detect contraband to keep our institutions safe. Our dedicated staff and detector dogs play an important role in helping us achieve this.

Your ongoing dedication and commitment to what you do at CSC is much appreciated. I am proud of the work we do and the important role CSC has in keeping our communities across the country safe.