COVID-19 update for correctional employees: November 18, 2022

I want to express how much your dedication and hard work is appreciated. I know to what degree you have all had to adapt these past couple of years. I have heard many stories of colleagues supporting one another, the comradery and compassion you all demonstrate is exemplary.  

As mentioned last week, flu season is upon us, and at the same time, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are circulating in our communities. We are hearing on the news that emergency rooms in some provinces are at capacity, specifically hospitals for children. In order to reduce the number of institutional outbreaks, please continue to follow the infection prevention measures in place at our workplaces. Thank you for playing your part to keep everyone healthy and safe.

CSC Respect Day

Every year, November 20 marks Respect Day at CSC. This year, it falls on Sunday. We all have a role to play to ensure that our workplaces remain:

• respectful
• professional, and
• free of harassment and discrimination

Respect is felt in everything we do, say, and share. It is demonstrated in our interactions with others and in a multitude of other ways. Join me in taking steps, each and every day, to ensure that everyone at CSC has a safe and supportive work environment.

At CSC, we are role models to others. Let's make sure we promote our values, which include respect, to develop and maintain a:

• positive
• professional
• compassionate, and
• safe

work environment.

I invite you to regularly consult the Respectful workplace Campaign Hub page for useful:

• tools
• tips, and
• resources

Award ceremony at Donnacona Institution 

This week, I had the honour of virtually participating in an award ceremony to recognize employees from Donnacona Institution in the Quebec Region. 

In total:

• seven Correctional Exemplary Service Medals for 20 years
• four Correctional Exemplary Service first bar for 30 years, and
• one William St Pierre Hughes Correctional Manager Award

were awarded.

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

Transgender Day of Remembrance  

November 20 is also Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day established in memory of transgender and gender diverse people who were murdered due to transphobic hatred. Transgender people continue to be victims of hate crimes and violence. At CSC, we are striving to create a culture that is inclusive and accepting of our individual differences.

Last May, we published a new policy to support gender diverse offenders and their ongoing:

• safety
• dignity, and
• human rights

The policy defines the roles and responsibilities of employees and decision-makers regarding the:

• custody
• care, and
• supervision

of gender diverse offenders. 

Read more about the: 

• Commissioner’s Directive 100 – Gender Diverse Offenders

Restorative Justice Week 

Restorative Justice Week takes place from November 20 to 27. At CSC, we are proud to contribute to the advancement of restorative justice practices in Canada. For over 20 years, we have been providing victim-offender mediation services nationally through the Restorative Opportunities program. Thank you to everyone who is involved in supporting this:

• empowering
• transformative, and
• innovative

work. This year’s National Restorative Justice Symposium will be held virtually November 21 and 22. 

For more information regarding the workshop presentations, and how to register, please visit:

• National Restorative Justice Symposium

Learn more about:

• CSC’s Restorative Opportunities Program

CSC Warden nominated for Premier’s Award 

I was pleased to learn that Henry Saulnier, warden of Millhaven Institution, was nominated by Loyalist College for one of the Premier’s Awards in the Community Service Category. Henry graduated from Loyalist College’s Community and Justice Services program in 1992. The Premier’s awards are administered by Colleges Ontario to recognize outstanding graduates who have gone on to make important social and economic contributions in their career. 

The award nomination recognizes Henry’s integrity and creative thinking in the field of corrections, including his innovative efforts in implementing novel engagement models for inmates in the Structured Intervention Units. Henry has been with CSC for over 30 years and has been the Warden at Millhaven Institution since 2021. He also received a Governor General’s Corrections Exemplary Service Medal in 2013. The Premier’s Awards will be presented on November 28 in Toronto. Kudos Henry and wishing you all the best in your nomination!

New executives

I would also like to congratulate 12 CSC employees on their official entry to the Government of Canada’s community of executives. I had the pleasure of attending the recognition ceremony earlier this week. 

Becoming an executive is a career milestone. I am pleased to welcome these individuals into the EX cadre:

• Janalee Bell-Boychuk
• Travis Boone
• Edith Desnoyers
• Carson Gaudet
• Michael Martin
• Dr. Kathleen McKay
• Jennifer Morse
• Jonathan Ouellet
• Nancy Poirier
• François Sauvé
• Josée Vinet
• Jennifer Farrell

I am proud of the many outstanding employees at CSC. Each person makes an important contribution to our organization. Thank you.