Commissioner's update for correctional employees: September 11, 2023

September 8 marked one year since the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was the first of Canada's sovereigns to be proclaimed separately as "Queen of Canada".

One year later, CSC is still proud to honour her and the connection we have had to Her Majesty and acknowledge the important role she has played in our country’s history.

International Literacy Day

On September 8 we celebrated International Literacy Day, which highlights the importance of literacy as a human right. Basic reading and writing skills increase access to better employment opportunities and advantages for success in society. 

CSC offers educational programs that focus on developing literacy and academic skills to support offenders’ successful reintegration into the community. Inmates also have access to libraries in our institutions that are a resource for information, education, enrichment, and recreational reading.

I am grateful for our teachers, librarians, social program officers, and volunteers. The success of literacy programs would not be possible without their dedication and passion. Ethnocultural book clubs and support from community organizations such as Book Clubs for Inmates and the Children of Inmates Reading Program provide great opportunities to improve literacy.

Thank you for your ongoing effort to encourage and guide offenders in their literacy journey.

Launch of GCWCC

The 2023 Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC) will launch on September 12. Over the years, CSC employees have shown to be very generous towards the campaign both through donations and by volunteering time on various aspects of the campaign. The GCWCC supports over 3,000 charities in communities across the country through United Way and Centraide. It also partners with HealthPartners, which represents 17 national health charity organizations.

Contributing to the campaign is investing in our communities. Donating to the GCWCC can be done through monthly, lump-sum payments, deductions from your paycheque, or participating in the many events organized throughout the campaign. I encourage you to engage with the volunteer GCWCC Ambassadors to learn more about the Campaign and to get any required assistance with donating. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

• Register for the virtual opening ceremony (internal resource) that will be held tomorrow, September 12 at 1 p.m. (ET)

World Suicide Prevention Day

Yesterday was World Suicide Prevention Day. The theme this year is “Creating Hope Through Action” – a powerful reminder that through our actions we can foster hope and strengthen prevention.

Suicide often accompanies feelings of being a burden, lacking connection to others and a general sense of hopelessness, which may be exacerbated by stigma. I know that this is particularly challenging in the work that we do.

CSC is committed to using language that is respectful and does not contribute to stigma. Prevention and intervention for suicide and self-harm is a continuous priority for CSC. I believe that we can create a sense of belonging through connecting with others and being open, safe and respectful in our communications.

Think about ways you can help create a safe environment where everyone can express themselves and find support and help when needed. Learn more about how CSC is addressing suicide and self-harm among individuals in federal custody:

• Suicide Prevention and Intervention Strategy (internal resource)
• Creating Hope Through Action

Official Languages Day 2023 - Our languages, a window to the world

Every year, we pay tribute to Canada's rich linguistic heritage on Official Languages Day. This year's event highlights the importance of Canada's official languages in shaping our society's identity and building connections with a broader world.

To celebrate, activities have been organized by the Council of the Network of Official Languages Champions, the Linguistic Duality Network, in collaboration with other partners.

Don’t miss the virtual event open to the public, on September 14, 2023, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (ET).

I encourage you to register today to participate in activities. For more information:

• Register here (internal resource)
• Official Languages Day (internal resource)

I want to, once again, thank you for the work you do each and every day in support of our mandate.