COVID-19 update for correctional employees: October 28, 2022

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

First, l wish to express my appreciation to each of you for your dedication and commitment to CSC. I am very appreciative of the great work being done to fulfill the important mandate we have to assist offenders become law-abiding citizens. Each of you, no matter the role, is crucial to the achievement of our Mission.

Structured Intervention Unit Implementation Advisory Panel Annual Report

Today, the Structured Intervention Unit Implementation Advisory Panel (SIU IAP) released its first annual report, which includes recommendations for CSC and Public Safety Canada. You can read:

• my statement and
• our response,

which outlines the progress we have made in a number of areas, as well as the concrete actions we are taking. Actions include:

• Enhancing the SIU staffing model
• Increasing options for inmate engagement
• Improving our data collection, tracking and reporting
• Understanding and addressing regional differences across different SIUs
• Reviewing policies, practices and procedures
• Enhancing employee training and development

The implementation of Structured Intervention Units (SIUs) was a historic transformation for CSC. An organizational culture shift, especially one as significant as this, requires ongoing and sustained effort to ensure its success. I am proud of the progress we have made as an organization since the implementation of SIUs. Your ongoing commitment and dedication is truly making a difference: thank you. 

Diversity Week

CSC will be celebrating Diversity Week the first week of November! With over 21,300 employees (including term, casual and student employees) across the country, CSC takes pride in the range of ages, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, languages and cultures that make up our teams. We are excited to continue to grow into a fully inclusive and diverse organization. Diversity Week provides us with the opportunity to build bridges between different communities and open the door to different dialogues.

I encourage you all to take time this week to learn about different parts of your colleagues identities and attend the webinars hosted by the Employment Equity Diversity Committee (EEDC):

• One Game at a Time 
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Our Hidden Wounded, Who Are They?

In addition, the Canada School of Public Service is hosting its annual conference in response to the Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion that takes place every Thursday from October 27 to November 17, 2022.  Join one of the seven virtual sessions of Government of Canada Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Conference 2022 here: 

• Government of Canada Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Conference 2022

Government of Canada workplace Charitable Campaign

The annual Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC) is now in full swing. Your contribution, big or small, can help support an individual, a family, or a community in need. Every donation makes a direct impact and can improve someone’s life. Through GCWCC, you can support the charity of your choice. The United Way/Health Partners support thousands of community youth, housing, foodbanks, educational, health, medical research and development charities.

• ePledge is an easy and convenient online way for you to donate by payroll deduction, Paypal, one-time or monthly credit card donation to the cause closest to your heart.

Beware of Phishing

October is Cyber Security Awareness month, and an opportune time to raise awareness of phishing campaigns. Be mindful of suspicious emails, particularly from unknown or untrusted sources, which may ask for log-in information or contain links to redirect you to external websites. If you are in doubt about a link or an email, regardless of who it appears to be from, do not open it.

 

I wish a safe and happy Halloween to all who are planning to celebrate.