Commissioner's update for offenders and their families: October 16, 2023

National Infection Control Week is October 15 to 21. This week serves as a reminder of the importance of effective infection prevention and control efforts in curbing the spread of diseases. Ensuring good hand hygiene and being vaccinated against vaccine-preventable infections are still the best ways to prevent getting seriously ill, especially from infections such as influenza and COVID-19.

If you feel unwell, have a cold, or COVID-19 symptoms, or if you would like more information on vaccines, infections, or measures to keep yourself safe from infection, please ask to speak with someone in Health Services. Thank you for doing your part and keeping yourself and others around you safe.

Access to food, water, and a healthy diet is essential for all people on earth. World Food Day, on October 16, highlights how important this is. At CSC, we recognize that a healthy diet is essential for physical and mental well-being. Food is an important part of life.

CSC’s dieticians and food services staff work hard to make sure the food you eat every day meets Canada’s Food Guide and nutritional requirements. I encourage you to thank the food services staff at your site.

The federal government has been working on Canada’s Black Justice Strategy to address anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination that has led to the overrepresentation of Black people in the criminal justice system, including as victims of crime.

The Strategy is being developed in consultation with Black communities across Canada. You may have seen some community groups consulting at your institution in recent weeks. There is also an online survey available to Black people of all ages living in Canada. Your family and friends living in the community may be interested in providing their input. The survey is available to them until October 20.

October 18 is Persons Day. It commemorates the day 94 years ago when women were included in the legal definition of “persons” by Canada’s highest court of appeal. It marked a critical step in the advancement of gender equality in Canada.

Let us remember that women fought hard throughout history to pave the way for increased participation in public and political life.