COVID-19 update for offenders and their families: March 12, 2021

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

One year ago the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a world pandemic. At that time, there were 118,000 cases globally and 95 in Canada. A year later, our country has had over 890,000 cases. March 11 was declared a National Day of Observance to acknowledge the impact that the pandemic has had on Canadians and people around the world.

Since the very beginning, it has been of paramount importance that the Correctional Service Canada (CSC) reduce the risks of COVID-19 in all of its operations. Your health and well-being have always been top of mind.

I wanted to give you a COVID-19 update. There are currently active cases remaining at:

CSC continues to do contact tracing and mass testing for staff and offenders. If you are offered a test, please take it. It is the only way to know whether you have COVID-19 and helps us work quickly to minimize any spread. Since March 8, members of the Canadian Red Cross have been at Drumheller Institution assisting us with infection and control measures at the site.

I can't emphasize enough how important it is to continue following our health and safety measures to minimize the spread of this contagious virus. I thank you for doing your part by:

These simple actions do make a difference in keeping everyone healthy and safe.

The Canadian Families and Corrections Network (CFCN) provides resources for families of incarcerated individuals. Recently boxes of resources were shipped to all institutions to the attention of the Inmate Committees with brochures about CFCN's services that can assist you and your families through information and support. They have also sent copies of their Reintegration Workbook and Parole Book that you maybe find helpful. If you are interested in these resources, please connect with your committee.

March is Nutrition Month. CSC has a team of nine registered dietitians across the country. Dietitians recognize that each person has their own:

They provide advice and guidance about eating healthy. Our dietitians make the nutrition care plans for offenders. I encourage you to talk to a dietitian if you have questions about nutrition.

Understanding the continued impact that COVID-19 has on the inmate population, I have extended the waiver for food, telephone and accommodation fees until June 30, 2021. These deductions will not come off your pay during this timeframe. The previous extension was set to end on March 31, 2021.

I wanted to thank all of you for your cooperation over the past year. I appreciate your willingness and flexibility in adapting to the changes and health measures that have been in place over the past year. They are absolutely necessary to keep you healthy, which is our main goal.

Thank you again.

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