COVID-19 update for correctional employees: October 14, 2022

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

I continue to be impressed with your ongoing commitment to the important role you play in our mission, whether you are on the frontlines or in an administrative position, you are assisting in some way with offender's journey to become law-abiding citizens.

National Ethnocultural Advisory Committee

Yesterday, for the first time since the start of the pandemic, we held our first hybrid National Ethnocultural Advisory Committee (NEAC) meeting. Most members were able to attend in person. We talked about the results of the Auditor General’s report on:

• systemic barriers and our actions
• our anti-racism progress
• ethnocultural research and future plans
• our new Black Offender Strategy
• CSC’s Strategic Plan for People Management and Comprehensive Plan on Employment Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; and
• CSC’s Audit of Organizational Culture

It was a very rich and productive dialogue.

In fact, many members said it was their best meeting yet and were complimentary on our commitments across the board, including our efforts on culture change and work to foster a more inclusive and diverse workforce! We thank all members and staff for their continued work with Regional Ethnocultural Advisory Committees and the NEAC – their engagement and feedback are key to how we do our work.

Persons Day

On October 18, CSC will proudly recognize Persons Day, which is important to mark during October’s Women’s History Month. Persons Day commemorates the historic day in 1929 when most women were legally granted status as ‘persons’: a milestone for gender equality in Canada. It meant that women could be:

• politicians
• mayors
• members of parliament, and
• senators

It ultimately opened up careers that had long been held only by men. Today, all women now hold positions in all levels of government and work in all professions. The diversity of jobs held by women at CSC is an excellent example of this.

World Food Day

Celebrated on October 16, World Food Day promotes worldwide awareness and action to ensure access to food and healthy diets for all. At CSC, our national menu meets Canada’s Food Guide recommendations and nutritional requirements, and is supported by a registered dietitian. A special thank you to our food services staff across the country, including regional dietitians, who work to provide healthy meals to the individuals in our care, as well as specific plans for those with therapeutic needs. A healthy diet enhances the quality of life and promotes physical and mental well-being.

International Conflict Resolution Day

International Conflict Resolution Day, which is being recognized on October 20th, promotes peaceful means of resolving conflict, such as by mediation. Resolving conflict early and replacing blame and judgement with empathy and curiosity contributes to our own well-being and a healthy workplace. Our Office of Informal Conflict Resolution is an important resource to help you address conflict early on at the lowest level, using an interest-based, collaborative approach.

I encourage you to attend the panel discussion Navigating the Hybrid Work Environment with Humanity, presented by the Federal Informal Conflict Management Network, in collaboration with the Canadian Innovation Center for Mental Health in the Workplace, on Thursday, October 20.

Please register by end of day October 18 for:

• The French language event – 10:30 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. (EDT)
• The English language event – 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (EDT)  

Thanks again for everything you do.