COVID-19 update for offenders and their families: December 11, 2020
This content is a message to federal offenders and their families from Correctional Service Canada's (CSC’s) Commissioner.
I would like to thank you for your efforts in keeping up with the public health measures in place. Please continue to do these three things to help reduce the spread of illness:
- Wear your mask
- Wash or sanitize your hands often
- Stay two metres away from others, as much as possible
In terms of active COVID-19 cases among inmates, the situation is improving. Currently, only Stony Mountain Institution (medium security) in Manitoba has active cases, with many having recovered. Given the high rates of community transmission in many areas, we continue to implement heightened health and safety measures in some regions. We are starting to hear encouraging news about a vaccine for Canadians. More will come on this in the coming months as we know more about plans and the rollout, including for inmates in our care.
We continue to do an active health screening on anyone entering institutions, including a temperature check. We have also increased disinfecting and cleaning at our sites. We also continue to educate everyone on how to detect symptoms and what to do. Please remember to report any symptoms to health services immediately.
The year marks the 30th anniversary of the Creating Choices report, which studied the federal correctional system for women. Based on its recommendations, the principles of empowerment, meaningful and responsible choices, respect and dignity, a supportive environment, and shared responsibility continue to be the driving force approaches to women’s corrections.
In this vein, I would like to congratulate the residents at Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge, in Saskatchewan, for constructing their first house through the CORCAN Indigenous Offender Employment Initiative. The women built the home at the healing lodge then prepared the site at the Nekaneet First Nation for its arrival. The house was moved to its permanent location on November 30. Through much hard work, the residents helped a community and built new skills and confidence in the process. Well done!
December 10, was Human Rights Day, which highlights the importance of recognizing that everyone is entitled to basic human rights, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, language, or culture. These principles, including being treated equally and with dignity are enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Human Rights.
In the spirit of the upcoming holidays, I have decided to extend the waiver for food, telephone and accommodation fees until March 31, 2021. This means that these deductions will not come off your pay during this timeframe. I began waiving fees in the Spring and given we are still coping with the pandemic, it provides something extra for you during this difficult time.