COVID-19 update for offenders and their families: January 15, 2021

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

I wanted to give you an update on COVID-19. While we continue to have some active cases in some of our institutions, many inmates have recovered. We currently have active cases at Joyceville Institution, in Ontario; Stony Mountain Institution, in Manitoba; Saskatchewan Penitentiary and Willow Cree, in Saskatchewan; and Bowden and Drumheller, in Alberta.

As I mentioned in my last note, we began rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine to approximately 600 older inmates across the country as per the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). By this weekend, we will have finished administering all doses. As we get more vaccines, we will continue to administer it to the inmate population in accordance with NACI guidance.

When you are offered a vaccine, I encourage you to take it. It is safe and effective, and the best way to protect yourself and others from this virus. I will certainly be getting it when it is my turn.

In November, we began using COVID-19 rapid testing devices in many institutions. However, all positive test results had to be sent to a lab to be confirmed. I am pleased to inform you that CSC now has molecular testing devices for screening or diagnosis of COVID-19, which can confirm positive test results onsite in about 13 minutes. This helps with the early identification of the virus so we can work to contain it.

Please continue to be diligent by wearing your mask, keeping a two-metre distance from others, washing or sanitizing your hands often. Until we are vaccinated, this is the best way for us to keep ourselves and others healthy.

On a positive note, I want to highlight the important role that Citizen Advisory Committees (CAC) play within the Corrections and Conditional Release system. Every third week of January, CSC takes time to show appreciation to the CAC members across Canada for their ongoing dedication during an Awareness Week. This year’s theme is CAC: Embracing the Future: COVID-19, a reminder that we can pull through the current pandemic together. Remember that you can request to reach out to a CAC member. They are still fulfilling their mandate to observe, liaise, and advise.

I also want to recognize inmates from the minimum-security unit at Archambault Institution. They generously donated enough to purchase 18 large boxes, weighing over 900 pounds, of non-perishable food items that were delivered over the holidays to families in need in the Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines area.

In closing, I wanted to remind you I have also extended the waiver for food, telephone, and accommodation fees until March 31, 2021. These deductions will not come off your pay during this time.

Thank you for your cooperation during this challenging time. Your efforts make a big difference.