Commissioner's update for correctional employees: June 2, 2023

Over the past few weeks, we have watched with concern as wildfires in Western Canada impacted many communities. This week our thoughts are with CSC colleagues affected by fires in Nova Scotia. I encourage everyone in these areas to exercise caution and take safety measures when necessary.

APEX Award of Excellence

The APEX Award of Excellence recognizes executives for their excellence in management and leadership within the federal public service. There are six awards presented to people who have excelled in any of the six categories of:

• career contribution
• community contribution
• healthy workplace
• innovation
• leadership, and
• partnership

The recipient must have demonstrated uniquely important contributions. I am pleased to announce that at the awards ceremony on May 30, our colleague Curtis Jackson, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Operations, Ontario Region, received the Career Contribution Award. Congratulations, Curtis! 

National Indigenous History Month

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize the rich:

• history
• resilience, and
• diversity

of Indigenous communities across Canada. At CSC, we recognize the contributions of Indigenous peoples to the development of Canada, and the strength of present-day Indigenous communities.

We are fortunate to have 1750 self-declared Indigenous employees and 153 Elders at CSC representing rural and urban Indigenous communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast. 

Thank you to the staff who work closely with Indigenous community members and organizations to support Indigenous offenders along their healing paths. This month, take the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the culture and traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

Filipino, Italian, and Portuguese Heritage Month

Throughout the year, we recognize the many cultures that make up our country. June is also Filipino, Italian, and Portuguese Heritage Month. These communities have contributed to all areas of society, enriching it with their:

• languages
• food
• traditions, and
• culture

Let us celebrate how Filipino, Italian, and Portuguese Canadians continue to play a significant role in creating a:

• vibrant
• diverse
• inclusive, and
• strong

society. 

Pride Season 2023

I’m pleased to note that it is also the beginning of Pride Season, which takes place in the summer from June to September. This period is about conversations and learning. CSC wants to continue to find ways to promote diversity and learn how to best support 2SLGBTQI+ team members.

I encourage you to express solidarity with and celebrate the resilience and spirit of Queer and gender diverse Canadians who fight for freedom and equality. To members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, I hope you feel at home in the CSC family and safe to express yourself with pride. 

Every year, several events are organized across the country to celebrate 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians. The Government of Canada will kick off this season with the official Pride Flag Raising on Parliament Hill at 9 a.m. on June 8.

Public Service Employee Survey

The departmental results for the 2022-2023 Public Service Employee Survey are now available online. There you will find the overall public service and departmental results. Results by organizational unit will be released on June 26.

Thank you once again to everyone who took the opportunity to help CSC in creating organizational change by completing the survey. The results are taken seriously and will be analyzed closely to ensure that we make improvements and celebrate success.

View the:

• Public Service Employee Survey (nternal resource only)

Global Affairs Canada visit to Collins Bay Institution

CSC hosted a visit Monday by new Foreign Service Officer recruits from Global Affairs Canada. The group visited Collins Bay Institution to become familiar with the Canadian federal correctional setting prior to being posted abroad as diplomats. Foreign service officers may be responsible for providing consular assistance to Canadians detained abroad. CSC welcomed the opportunity to provide this insight and help to build broader knowledge of Canadian corrections with its partners from Global Affairs Canada. 

Emerson Douyon Multiculturalism Award Nominations

The nomination period for the annual Emerson Douyon Multiculturalism Award is now open. This award is presented to a CSC employee or community partner who has significantly contributed to the promotion of multiculturalism and diversity within the Service or the community. Employees in the organization, individuals on contract, summer employees, and members of the public, such as volunteers are all eligible. If you know someone who deserves to be recognized for their efforts, I encourage you to nominate them for this important award. 

Learn more about the award and nomination process:

• Call for nominations: Emerson Douyon Multiculturalism Award (Internal resource only)

Thank you for your dedication to our mission. Let us celebrate our diversity as we come together with a common goal.