COVID-19 update for correctional employees: November 25, 2022

This week, a special event honouring CSC’s 35 fallen officers was held at Kingston Penitentiary (KP). The event also marked the official decommissioning of the KP bell. 

The bell was installed in the prison’s belfry on top of the main gatehouse in 1862, and was used as an alarm for escapes, fires, marking the noon hour, and the opening and closing of the business day. The bell rang until the 1971 riots, but was reinstated a decade later to once again mark the opening and closing of daily business. Since the prison closed in 2013, the bell has only been rung during the annual November 24 memorial service, which coincides with the anniversary of the death of Guard William Wentworth in 1961, the last KP fallen officer. 

The bell rang for the last time at this week’s event. Officially decommissioning the bell allows it to be preserved for its historical significance before the Government of Canada completes the disposal process of Kingston Penitentiary. The bell will eventually be moved across the street from KP to Canada’s Penitentiary Museum where it will be on display outside the museum.

A number of staff who worked there, as well as many local community members and partners, were present to mark this page of history. Thank you to everyone who worked hard to make this meaningful event a success! 

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence annual international campaign starts November 25, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and goes until December 10, Human Rights Day. This campaign started in 1991, aiming to remind Canadians of the injustices of violence against women. Everyone has a role to play in ending gender-based violence. Find out more how you can show your support for:

• 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence 2022

2022-2025 Strategic Plan for People Management

I am pleased to announce the publication of CSC’s 2022–2025 Strategic Plan for People Management. This plan sets the direction and priorities for people management over the next three years, in alignment with our mission and values. The voices and experiences of our employees reinforce our priorities. Shared through consultations and survey results, they reflect a collective vision and a way forward to promote an inclusive culture that places people first.

I would like to thank our Executive Committee members, their management teams, as well as union representatives, and employees representing CSC’s diversity from across the organization, who took the time to share their perspectives.

Over the next several years, we will continue our efforts to ensure that all employees feel safe and respected at work, and foster a healthy workplace. In addition, CSC will remain focused on building and sustaining a workforce that reflects the diversity of the Canadian population at all levels, and that of those in our care.

I encourage you to take the time to read the plan and discuss the content with your manager and colleagues:

• CSC's 2022–2025 Strategic Plan for People Management.

Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday, which falls on November 29 this year, is a day when charities, companies and individuals rally for their favourite causes. Community service, health, and charitable organizations have been under heavy strain these past years due to the ongoing pandemic. Join your colleagues in making a gift through the GCWCC to help foster stronger communities and healthier people nationwide. 

Keeping up health measures

Thank you for your ongoing cooperation in following our infection prevention and control measures aimed at helping prevent the spread of:

• the flu
• COVID-19, and
• other respiratory illnesses

Wearing a well-fitted medical mask in our institutions and worksites, regular handwashing and keeping up to date with vaccinations is the best way to prevent serious illness. If you feel unwell, please stay home.

Thank you all for your great work!