COVID-19 update for correctional employees: October 21, 2022

As you may know, Health Canada has approved the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine as boosters for use in Canada. The bivalent vaccine targets the original strain of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant. The vaccine can also be given at the same time as the flu shot. Vaccines are one of the best ways to reduce your risk of severe illness from COVID-19. As we are seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases across the country, this may be something you want to consider to boost your protection.

Award ceremonies in the Quebec region

This week, I had the honor of participating virtually in two award ceremonies in the Quebec region to recognize employees from:

• Regional Headquarters
• the East-West District, and
• Donnacona Institution

In total:

• five Correctional Exemplary Service first bar for 30 years
• 27 Correctional Exemplary Service Medals for 20 years, and
• one Long Service Award for 15 years were awarded

Congratulations to all the recipients! I am very grateful for your commitment and dedication.

Penitentiary Museum receives tourism award

Congratulations to Canada’s Penitentiary Museum in Kingston, Ontario, who recently received the Hospitality and Tourism Award from the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce. The award highlights businesses that have made an exceptional contribution to the development of the local tourism industry, and that make Kingston a better place to visit. Curators Dave St. Onge and Cameron Willis have done a remarkable job achieving this. Kudos also to the Friends of the Penitentiary Museum group, CSC’s casual employees, and the museum volunteers for their essential role in the museum’s success!

Emerson Douyon Multiculturalism Award winner

Congratulations to Jude Clyke, a CSC staff member, who is the 2021–2022 recipient of the Emerson Douyon Multiculturalism Award. Jude’s commitment to multiculturalism is clearly demonstrated through:

• his ongoing dedication to:
  • respect
  • diversity, and
  • inclusion
• his work with CSC’s Black Employee Network
• his efforts in championing initiatives that support:
  • the successful reintegration of ethnocultural offenders (specifically Black offenders), and
  • elevating youth and members of his community

Jude is now on the Anti-racism, Diversity and Inclusion team within the Communications and Engagement Sector. We look forward to his contributions to this important initiative.

I would also like to recognize this year’s nominees:

• Taiwo Ajetunmobi
• Marjorie Bernard
• Allizaire Parliament
• Suzanne Winston, and
• the Black Social History Committee

for their vital work in promoting multiculturalism and diversity within CSC and in the community!

Canadian Patient Safety Week

October 24 to 28 marks Canadian Patient Safety Week. This annual campaign, organized by Healthcare Excellence Canada, promotes the importance of patient safety and of providing quality health services. At CSC, we emphasize a patient-centred health-care model and are committed to the safety of all patients in our care. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Health Services staff across the country for their professionalism and dedication!

Canadian Islamic History Month

October is Canadian Islamic History Month, which highlights the role that Muslim communities play in Canadian society. Muslims have lived in Canada since 1871 and contributed to every aspect of society, such as:

• the sciences
• technology
• humanities
• medicine, and
• astronomy

With over a million of Canadian Muslims, Islam makes up the second largest religion in the country. Take this opportunity to celebrate and learn about the rich Muslim culture.

International Corrections and Prisons Association Conference

Next week, October 23 to 28, the International Corrections and Prisons Association’s annual conference will be held in Florida. More than 150 speakers from around the world will present on topics such as:

• strategy and reform
• correctional health care
• facility design, and
• human rights

CSC is honoured to participate and share our  contributions to corrections with our international colleagues. Topics that CSC will present include:

• delivering safe reintegration during:
  • COVID-19
  • water surveillance, and
  • outbreak prediction and management
• digital offender education and family visitation during the pandemic
• contributing to good corrections through applied research
• challenges and barriers for CSC’s volunteer program; and
• structured intervention units and real-time operational reporting

With over 400 attendees, including:

• government representatives
• researchers, and
• academics

it is a great opportunity to share and learn from each other.

I appreciate your hard work; thank you for everything that you do!