COVID-19 update for correctional employees: February 10, 2023

The horrible tragedy that occurred Wednesday at a daycare centre in Sainte-Rose, Quebec, has left us reeling. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this, including our employees in the area, the bystanders and first responders who rushed to help. This was a devastating event and it is difficult to find words to bring peace or relief when a tragedy like this occurs.

I remind you that the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (internal resource only) is available to you at any time should you need support. Please take care of each other. 

Black History Month

Since the start of February, Canadians have been celebrating Black History Month. The theme this year is “Ours to tell”. As we celebrate, it is important to hear the stories of success and challenges of Black Canadians. I encourage you to take part in the various events and learning opportunities happening across the country. Keep an eye on the Hub for information about upcoming virtual events. 

At CSC, confronting anti-Black racism is a priority, and we recognize that it is everyone’s responsibility. I want to restate my commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace that is free from harassment and discrimination. With leadership from CSC's:

• Anti-racism, Diversity and Inclusion Directorate,
• Employee Equity and Diversity Committees, and
• the Black Employee Network

I encourage everyone to continue learning and sharing the lived experiences of Black Canadians during Black History Month and beyond. 

Auditor General on systemic barriers

Yesterday, I appeared before the parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Accounts to talk about the work we are doing to address the recommendations of the Auditor General last May on systemic barriers. I spoke about the initiatives underway around our security classification tools, ensuring timely access to programs, and our collection of data. I also spoke about our efforts to align our workforce with the offender population and the initiatives in place to build an organization that is more:

• inclusive
• diverse, and
• equitable

There is more work to do but I am proud of the progress we are making. Thank you to everyone who is involved. 

Victim Complaints: 2021–2022 Annual Report

Earlier this week, we released the Victim Complaints: 2021–2022 Annual Report. This past year, CSC provided services to over 8,500 victims. Of the 11 formal complaints we received, there were four identified instances where CSC did not fully uphold victims’ rights under the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights. We responded by implementing changes and taking steps to address the issues. 

I would like to highlight the exceptional work that staff in Victim’s Services do every day to:

• assist victims of crime;
• respond to their; 
  • questions 
  • concerns, and
  • informal complaints
• ensure that victims are treated with;
  • compassion
  • fairness, and 
  • respect 

I encourage you to: 

• read the Victim Complaints: 2021–2022 Annual Report

National Flag Day

February 15 is the anniversary of the day our red and white maple leaf flag was first raised on Parliament Hill in 1965. Prior to that, Canada’s flag was the Red Ensign, which was a combination of the British Union Jack and Canada’s coat of arms. The creation of our unique flag was an important step for Canada. Our national flag flies at all our facilities, as it does at all government buildings and in communities across the country. It is a symbol that unites us. Historians believe the maple leaf began to serve as a Canadian symbol as early as 1700. Red and white have been embraced as representative of natural features prominent in some parts of our country: the white of winter snows, and the red of maple leaves in autumn. 

Public Service Employee Survey

The 2022/2023 Public Service Employee Survey (PSES) is now closed. I would like to thank everyone who took the time to complete the survey. Over 34.5% of eligible CSC employees completed this survey. Your feedback is important and will be used to continue to improve our workplace and shape our future. CSC’s results, along with those of other participating public service organizations, will be posted on the Public Service Employee Survey page later this year.

• 2022/2023 Public Service Employee Survey

We are committed to implementing changes based on the results. Once again, thank you for participating in the 2022/2023 PSES.

Pickleball: New sport at Stony Mountain Institution

Pickleball is a fast growing, popular sport that combines the elements of:

• tennis
• badminton, and
• ping-pong

Kim Ezzard, a Social Program Officer at Stony Mountain Institution (SMI), has experience with this sport and has competed in tournaments. She introduced the sport at SMI and taught offenders the proper techniques. The game caught on, and it has become a popular leisure activity. A special thanks to Kim for introducing a game that is healthy and fun, and one that provides inmates with an opportunity to learn positive social skills through sport. It is something they can continue upon their release to the community.  

2022 Tax Slips

As tax season fast approaches, employees should be able to access tax slips online through Phoenix self-service and MyGCPay as of Tuesday February 21, 2023.

You may access your tax slips on the Hub. (internal resource only)

Tax time is a reminder of what we do for a living. Your work is essential to our society and what you do is very important. I want to thank you for all you do to help rehabilitate and reintegrate offenders into our communities. Whether you are on the frontlines or in an administrative position, your role has an impact on many people’s lives.