COVID-19 update for correctional employees: October 7, 2022

Monday was my work anniversary, having started in CSC on October 3, 1983. I am privileged to have worked with so many amazing people over the years and I feel honoured to continue to work alongside all of you. I feel there are few jobs out there that are as rewarding as those in corrections. 

Tragedy in Saskatchewan

The mass tragedy that occurred in James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon, Saskatchewan at the beginning of September had a profound impact on our communities and will have long-lasting effects. My thoughts are with those impacted by this tragedy in their grieving and healing journey. 

Given the perpetrators was a federal offender on conditional release, CSC and the Parole Board of Canada launched a National Joint Board of Investigation (BOI) to analyze all of the facts and circumstances around this case and identify recommendations and corrective measures, as needed. The findings will be shared once the investigation is completed.

More information is available in the news release:

• Correctional Service Canada and Parole Board of Canada convene a National Joint Board of Investigation

National Employee Assistance Program Day

As you know, mental health and well-being are matters very close to my heart. I truly value and appreciate the great work done by our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) referral agents and the Critical Incident Stress Management peer support members. On October 13 we mark the National EAP Day, which allows us to recognize how vital their work is in supporting CSC employees when faced with difficult situations.

These staff, who volunteer their time, contribute to the lives of so many people:

• alleviating stressful situations, and
• promoting healthier work/life scenarios through both counselling and preventative measures

I would like to thank all those who are part of these incredible teams for your dedication and commitment to helping others. Your contributions have a real and positive impact on CSC employees.

Occupational Therapy Month

Every October in Canada, we recognize Occupational Therapy Month. As regulated health care professionals, occupational therapists are highly trained to use a variety of assessment and intervention tools to:

• assist individuals with physical and/or mental health concerns, and
• enable people of all abilities to participate in everyday activities, including:
  • self-care
  • work
  • study
  • volunteerism, and
  • leisure

I would like to acknowledge the work of the occupational therapists and thank them for the work they do within CSC. Your contributions make a difference for those in our care.

CSC recognized in official languages report

I am pleased that our recruitment efforts are highlighted as a best practice in the Annual Report on Official Languages 2020–21, which was tabled in Parliament by the Treasury Board on September 23. The report provides an overview of the governance and implementation of the official languages programs in all federal institutions. In this report, the Human Resource Management Sector's promotion of career opportunities within CSC was considered a best practice in the public service.

I am very proud of the great work done by our recruitment, outreach and communications teams, who, despite pandemic restrictions, worked very hard to promote the great career opportunities at CSC in both official languages by:

• using social media
• placing ads on billboards and websites, and
• participating in virtual career fairs across the country

You can read more in:

• the Annual Report on Official Languages

New pride mentoring pilot

The Public Service Pride Network has launched the new Pride Mentoring Pilot, a first of its kind for 2SLGBTQI+ communities in the public service. Starting in January 2023, this pilot will match 10 mentees with 10 pre-selected 2SLGBTQI+ mentors for a period of six months. All CSC employees who are interested are encouraged to take advantage of this great opportunity and apply by the October 21 deadline.

The Pride Mentoring Pilot is unique because it builds on feedback received from the pride network members at all stages of their careers. Members will benefit from:

• relatable leadership support
• ways to overcome barriers to career advancement due to sexual orientation and gender identity, and
• advice on how to navigate other unique challenges of being 2SLGBTQI+ in the federal public service

CSC recognized by the Information Commissioner

I am proud that CSC’s Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) team was recently recognized by the Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada for their hard work in improving how CSC processes ATIP requests.

The Information Commissioner, Caroline Maynard, noted that the team had shown great leadership in addressing both cultural and resource ATI-related challenges. CSC’s collaboration with the Office of the Information Commissioner, and its capacity to address complaints in a collaborative manner, is commendable. Kudos to the team members!

Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign

Every fall, CSC employees join other public servants in supporting the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC) to support those in need in communities across the country. I am pleased to announce:

• that Jay Pyke, Assistant Commissioner, Human Resource Management, is the champion of this year’s campaign, and
• that a variety of regional fundraising activities have started to take place at many sites

The GCWCC supports:

• the United Way, with over 1,800 non-profit associations affiliated with it, and
• HealthPartners, made up of 16 health-related organizations

This gives you the opportunity to support the charity of your choice. Your donations matter now more than ever! The pandemic has created a growing need for support with more Canadians reaching out to use social programs.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps someone in need. When we all give, it adds up. Your generosity makes a difference in people’s lives.

Find out ways you can donate and support people in need in your community:

• Give to Change Lives

I wish you all a happy and safe Thanksgiving weekend. Enjoy spending time with your loved ones. A special thank you to those working over the long weekend. Your dedication is much appreciated.