Commissioner's update for offenders and their families:
December 18, 2023

December is a time to give thanks and reflect. As 2023 comes to a close and the holiday season approaches, many of you will be connecting with family, friends and other supports that you have built a connection with.

This month, many people all over the world, and at CSC, celebrate faith and cultural holidays such as:

• December 7 to 15: Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights
• December 8: Bodhi Day, a Buddhist celebration honoring the Buddha’s awakening
• December 21: Winter Solstice celebrated by Indigenous peoples
• December 21 to January 1: Yule, a Wiccan festival, and the Shinto celebration called Tohiji-Taisai.
• December 25: Christmas, a Christian celebration
• December 26 to January 1: Kwanzaa, a cultural holiday for African Canadians celebrating their African heritage
• December 31 to January 4: Gahambar Maidhyairya, a Zoroastrian celebration of the creation of animals.

Chaplains and other resources at our sites are available to support your personal faith practices. I encourage you to take time over the holidays to reach out to your loved ones. Phone calls, letter-writing and video visitations are ways to connect if you cannot have an in-person visit with them. There are letter-writing kits made available by Canadian Families and Corrections Network.

This can be a difficult time of year for some. It is important to speak with someone if you are struggling. I want to remind you that you are not alone. I encourage you to reach out – speak with someone in Health Services or to other supports such as chaplains, elders and volunteers. Many staff, peers, chaplains, advisory members, volunteers and organizations are dedicating their time to support you.

Your Social Program Officer can inform you about the activities and services that your site may be organizing or offering during the holidays. I believe that a good way to focus your time and energy in a positive way is to get involved.

This is my last note to you for 2023. I hope that 2024 brings you new opportunities for change.