COVID-19 update for offenders and their families: May 28, 2020

This content is a message to federal offenders and their families from Correctional Service Canada's (CSC’s) Commissioner.

As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 public health pandemic, our top priority continues to be your health and safety. That is why strict protocols and health measures are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Last week I shared with you the health measures we have put in place in our institutions.

We continue to move in the right direction with fewer new cases in our institutions every day. Today, I am pleased to say that there are no longer any COVID-19 cases at Port-Cartier, Grand Valley and Mission institutions. To date, 90% of inmates that have contracted the virus have fully recovered.

I know many of you must be eager to see your families and loved ones again. It has been a difficult time and I appreciate your ongoing cooperation. We are all doing our part to prevent spread of this virus. Work is underway at CSC to look at activities that could be gradually phased back in. We have employees, community members, unions and subject-matter experts working together to look at specific operational activities and make recommendations. Please know that any decisions will be based on public health advice and may vary across the country based on how COVID-19 is affecting different communities. We need to make sure that before resuming any activities and having your loved ones visit, it is safe to do so and proper measures are in place to protect everyone. Visits continue to be suspended for now and I will keep you updated as our planning evolves.

A big thank you to those who are involved in CORCAN activities related to COVID-19 prevention. To date, 101,000 disposable masks, 23,000 washable masks, and over 1,000 gowns have been produced as well as bed and bath linens and mattresses. I am using one of your masks myself and it is well made – thank you. You have also ensured that laundry services continue to be provided. This is an incredible contribution and an important part of our ability to fight the pandemic. Thank you to everyone involved in these efforts and to everyone else for doing their part to prevent the spread of the virus.

Please continue to wear your mask, practice physical distancing, wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face. And remember, Health Services is there to help if you need it or have questions.

If you need support, please remember to reach out to your support networks. You can also speak with your inmate committee chair or Citizen Advisory Committee member. They are there to listen if you need to talk.

Thank you for your continued cooperation. I appreciate it very much.