COVID-19 update for offenders and their families: March 26, 2021

It is good to see the number of active COVID-19 cases decreasing in our institutions. This is in large part thanks to your continued efforts in following our infection prevention control measures. I know it has not been easy, but I appreciate you continuing to follow these measures.

Currently, Correctional Service Canada (CSC) still has one active case at Saskatchewan Penitentiary Medium, and 14 active cases at Drumheller Institution Medium in Alberta. While the numbers are decreasing, it is important to continue to keep our distance from others as much as possible, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands frequently, and wear your mask.

One of the ways that has helped us stop the spread of COVID-19 is contact tracing. Contact tracers help identify people who have been exposed to COVID-19 so that CSC can take action to stop the spread. CSC has a National Contact Tracing Unit and has done more than 11,000 contact traces since March 31, 2020, to help keep you, staff, and the public safe.

I wanted to let you know that prior to the Easter holiday, I have authorized the addition of $5 worth of minutes to your phone account, effective April 1, 2021, to help you stay in touch with your loved ones and support network. CSC will also be permanently changing the load cycle for the Inmate Telephone System to every two-weeks (14-days). Your account will now be loaded every two weeks instead of once a month.

I want to recognize inmates who are part of the Free Spirit Peer Support Group at the Regional Treatment Centre at Millhaven Institution. The inmates recently began making no-sew fleece blankets and hand written messages that will be provided to Lunch by George, a community organization that provides services to the Kingston homeless population. The group has focused on helping individuals who are experiencing homelessness. This is something many offenders have experienced themselves, and they wanted to provide support in any way they could. The group has now set their sights on continuing to donate to the community, but this time with a different passion: helping animals. They will be making toys for dogs and cats for the Humane Society.

Thank you again for your cooperation. By continuing to wear your mask and following our other health and safety measures, you are helping to keep yourself, and those around you, safe and healthy.