COVID-19 update for correctional employees: December 9, 2022

As you know, COVID-19, influenza, and other viruses continue to circulate in our communities, and as such, our institutions. This is a reminder that we need to keep up our efforts to prevent spreading illness: frequent handwashing and wearing a well-fitted mask will help reduce the risk of infection in our workplaces and institutions. If you are not feeling well, please stay home. Your ongoing cooperation is appreciated. 

Human Rights Day

On December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. December 10 has been recognized as Human Rights Day ever since. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees the rights and fundamental freedoms of every individual everywhere, without distinction based on:

• nationality
• gender
• ethnic origin
• religion, or
• language

This includes those who are incarcerated. 

At CSC, this principle is entrenched in the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, which affirms that offenders retain the rights and privileges of all members of society, except those that are, because of a sentence, lawfully and necessarily removed or restricted.

For more information regarding national events to commemorate this important day, please visit the Employment Equity and Diversity Committee on the Hub.

Public Service Employee Survey 

The 2022 Public Service Employee Survey (PSES) was launched on November 21, and will remain live until February 5, 2023. A link to the survey was emailed to eligible employees by Statistics Canada, please look for the invitation in your inbox. 

Collecting your opinions and feedback through the PSES is essential as it assists CSC in creating organizational change. As of Monday, December 7, 13.3% of employees have completed the PSES. I strongly encourage all employees to complete the survey. Your opinion matters! 

For more information on the survey, please visit the PSES Hub page.

New Departmental Audit Committee Chair

It is my pleasure to announce that on November 17, Ms. Deborah Newman became the Chair of CSC’s Departmental Audit Committee. Since joining the audit committee in 2020, Deborah has consistently offered sound advice by leveraging her extensive background in various departments of the Ontario provincial government and especially in the field of corrections. I am confident that Deborah’s leadership will enable the Committee to continue providing effective oversight of:

• risk management
• control, and
• governance processes 

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Robert Hanlon for his dedicated service to CSC. Rob has been a valued member of the Committee since 2016 and has provided excellent leadership as its Chair since 2021.

Please join me in congratulating Deborah on her appointment and wishing Rob the very best in his future endeavours!

Art Solomon Memorial Award

The Employment Equity and Diversity Committee is accepting nominations for the Art Solomon Memorial Award until December 21^st. The award recognizes Indigenous employees and their contributions, and acknowledges the cultural practices that benefit our work sites and communities. 

For more information on the:

• award
• criteria, and
• nomination form

please see Art Solomon Memorial Award. (internal resource only)

Please send all nominations forms to:

• eedcceed.gen-nat@csc-scc.gc.ca

The season of giving

At this time of year, we are encouraged by the many holidays celebrated across different faiths to think of others in need and share in our wealth. The Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC) is in full swing. We only have a few short weeks before the end of our campaign! 

This week, I presented the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa with many gifts, toys and $3,120 in gift cards to support local families and children in need. Thank you to everyone who contributed this year. The 340 Laurier Desktop Support/National Service Desk also raised $830 for the Big Brother Big Sister of Outaouais. Their donation came in at just the right time and means that many more children will receive gifts this year. 

Thanks to all who organize these initiatives year after year and to our employees for their generosity! Please send us your stories of employees and offenders giving back to their communities.

Winter lights across Canada

Across our country, neighbourhoods, monuments and sites are being lit up with holiday spirit. From December 8, 2022, to January 8, 2023, Canada’s national capital will join in. Tune in on December 21 at 8:00 p.m. (EST), and watch the television broadcast IllumiNATION to discover performers, artists, and talent from across Canada. The show will be available on various platforms until January 8, 2023.

Wherever you are, I encourage you check out local events and enjoy the holiday season.