COVID-19 update for offenders and their families: December 4, 2020
This content is a message to federal offenders and their families from Correctional Service Canada's (CSC’s) Commissioner.
I want to start with my appreciation for how you have adapted to the changes in your environment and your activities over the past months. I understand how these have not been easy to deal with, but they are necessary to keep you healthy. COVID-19 has affected everyone, but I know what a big impact it has had on you, and I really appreciate the efforts you have made to adjust.
We currently have some active cases of COVID-19 amongst our inmates at Stony Mountain in Manitoba, Drummond in Quebec and Edmonton Institution for Women in Alberta. There are no further active cases at Edmonton Institution, also in Alberta. As you know, we are working with public health in regions across the country and are closely monitoring communities with COVID-19 transmission. I am confident in the measures we have in place to limit and contain the spread of the virus. And rest assured, your health and safety is our first priority.
I wanted to give Kudos to those working in CORCAN who helped produced over 730,000 non-medical masks. This is an impressive number of masks that are much needed and appreciated by many in our communities.
I would also like to highlight one of CORCAN’s Pacific Region holiday initiatives. Offenders there made and donated 91 scoodies (hooded fleece wraps) for vulnerable men and women living on the streets in communities from Vancouver to Chilliwack. The scoodies will help them stay warm during the winter months. Thank you to all that worked hard on this great initiative.
Tomorrow, December 5, is International Volunteer Day. Thousands of Canadians volunteer their time to work with offenders in our facilities. The pandemic has certainly limited regular volunteering programs but I am grateful that we are finding innovative ways to continue volunteer efforts to support you. Take this opportunity to thank one of the volunteers you work with. Some of you may know volunteer Darryl McCullough. He has recently been recognized with the Taylor Award for his 22 years of exceptional volunteer service at Beaver Creek Institution near Gravenhurst, Ontario.
I’m happy to note that in response to the increased number of requests, more video visitation kiosks have been installed in our institutions across the country. We increased the number of kiosks from 57 to 101. The additional kiosks have made it easier for you to maintain and interact with your family and community support contacts throughout COVID-19. I encourage you to use video visitation to connect with your loved ones, if you haven’t already. Your parole officer can answer questions about how to use video visitation.
I thank you for continuing to follow public health measures in keeping two metres between yourself and others, washing or sanitizing your hands often, and for wearing a mask. These are simple things you can do to limit the spread of this contagious COVID-19 virus, and keep yourself and those around you healthy.
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