COVID-19 update for correctional employees: January 13, 2023

Yesterday, I provided an update to our new hybrid work model. This will mainly affect those of you who have been working at home during the pandemic. Starting on Monday, January 16, we will be implementing a minimum of three days per week in the office. I know that this is an adjustment in your lives, but I am confident that your dedication and adaptability will help make this transition a smooth and positive one. 

I encourage you to read the:

• Frequently Asked Questions (internal resource only)

for more information. 

Emerson Douyon Award recipient

On November 30, Jude Clyke, Project Officer in the Anti-Racism Diversity and Inclusion Directorate, received the 2021–2022 Emerson Douyon Multiculturalism Award at a ceremony held at Dorchester Penitentiary, in New Brunswick. The award recognized Jude’s outstanding work with Black employees and offenders, as well as his unwavering championing of:

• respect
• diversity, and
• inclusion

You can read about his lifelong passion and commitment to helping people succeed—both at work and in his community in Let’s Talk Express. Congratulations, Jude!

• Meet Jude Clyke: Advocate for change for Black offenders and employees

Book club helps inmates connect and communicate

I want to highlight the positive effect that Book Clubs for Inmate (BCFI) has on inmates in our institutions. BCFI's stimulate thought-provoking and meaningful discussions, and opportunities for inmates to connect. I applaud their many members, and the staff and volunteers who support their function.

Former inmate Emily O'Brien was a book club member at the Grand Valley Institution (GVI) for Women in Kitchener, Ontario, in 2010. In a recent CBC interview, Emily praised the positive effect that the club had on her and others, as well as the connections it fostered among the women. GVI was one of the first to start a book club. Today, hundreds of inmates participate in more than 30 book clubs in CSC institutions across the country.

Read more about Book clubs that inspire and transform in Let's Talk Express:

• Book clubs that inspire and transform

Donald R. Yeomans Award recipient

Cindy Gee, District Director:

• Manitoba
• Saskatchewan
• Northwest Ontario District

in the Prairie Region is the 2021–2022 recipient of the Donald R. Yeomans Award for Values and Ethics. The award, which is presented annually, recognizes executives who contribute to CSC's values and ethics over a significant period of time, and who demonstrate high standards during difficult times. Congratulations, Cindy! 

Champions of Mental Health Award recipients

I would like to congratulate Adib Kaddoura and Shauna Burns-Thomson who received the 2022 Champions of Mental Health Award from the Canadian Institute for Public Safety, Research and Treatment at the University of Regina. The award recognizes public safety personnel who make a positive impact supporting the mental health and well-being of people in their organization.

Adib is a correctional officer who joined the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) program team in 2010 and became a certified ICISF-trained peer support facilitator. Shauna is a correctional program officer who has the EAP and CISM lead position. Both Adib and Shauna have worked hard to dispel the stigma associated with mental health issues and improve the mental health of CSC employees. Congratulations and thank you for your passion and commitment to mental health and the well-being of your colleagues!

Show your appreciation

Want to help make someone's day? Showing your appreciation and gratitude for what your colleagues do can boost their morale, and yours as well. Discover how simple it can be to show your co-workers you appreciate their hard work and efforts by learning about CSC's recognition program.

Find ways to show your appreciation with:

• Dr. Linda Panaro Extra Mile Award,
• certificates of appreciation,
• teamwork awards, and
• eCards

Changes of command

This week, CSC held two change of command ceremonies in the Prairie Region. These ceremonies marked the change in command at from the outgoing Warden Rob Campney to the incoming Warden Lil Kordic at Edmonton Institution for Women, as well as the outgoing Warden Gary Sears to the incoming Warden Mark Shantz at Edmonton Institution. Change of command ceremonies are a tradition that are symbolic of the passing of responsibility and authority from one correctional leader to another.  Every year, CSC holds between five and 15 change of command ceremonies for:

• wardens
• executive directors
• district directors, and
• regional deputy commissioners

Self-care

It is important to remember to take care of yourself and be mindful of your mental health. 

January can leave people with the blues. If you are feeling down or overwhelmed, reach out to others. Talk to those in your support networks, your family and friends. Often just speaking with someone who is neutral or has a different perspective can improve your outlook on your situation

Please remember that Employee Assistance Program (EAP) referral agents are available to offer confidential and non-judgemental support and help. They can help you find the appropriate internal and external resources to respond to your needs. In addition, LifeWorks is also available to all CSC employees, and to their eligible family members, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

You are encouraged to reach out to the:

• Employee Assistance Program referral agents, and
• LifeWorks

Thank you for your hard work and commitment.