COVID-19 update for offenders and their families: June 4, 2021

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

I am happy to report that Correctional Service Canada (CSC) now has zero active cases of COVID-19 among our inmate population.

I’d like to thank you for continuing:

• physical distancing
• washing/sanitizing your hands, and
• wearing a mask

I know that after a year, these health measures may feel tiresome. But these actions are working. They have helped CSC minimize the spread of the coronavirus in our institutions, as well as protected you from getting sick, as much as possible.

The vaccine gives us an added defence, and I thank you for rolling up your sleeves to get your shot. CSC will be offering second dose clinics in the next couple of weeks. So, don’t forget to get your second vaccination when it is available to you.

I would like to again recognize the impact of the tragic discovery at the former Kamloops Residential School, of the graves of 215 children. This is yet another heartbreaking piece of Indigenous history. Some of you may be personally touched by this and have firsthand knowledge of the damage done by the residential schools. This is a very real reminder that we have much work to do to heal years of hurt and to build relationships based on:

• acceptance
• respect, and
• trust

I know that this is a difficult time for many. Such a discovery and all it means is hard to process, but it is important to talk about. Please reach out to your support network or an Elder.

On June 3, the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex and Asexual (2SLGBTQQIA+) People was released. This sets out the Government of Canada’s actions and commitments to end gender-based violence and the systemic racism responsible for the tragedy against:

• Indigenous women
• girls, and
• 2SLGBTQQIA+ people

This is an important step to ensuring a safer future for these individuals.

CSC’s programming and interventions takes a culturally responsive approach to address the needs of Indigenous women offenders in CSC's institutions and support their safe and successful reintegration into society. The experience and knowledge of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities informs this approach, and CSC could not do this important work without the contributions of Indigenous community stakeholders and partners.

June is National Indigenous History Month, please take some time to learn about and share the histories, cultures, and traditions of:

• First Nations
• Inuit, and
• Métis people

Sharing this knowledge builds understanding, which is essential to building those relationships.

Pride Season in Canada takes place from June to September which is a time to celebrate the resilience, spirit and talent of LGBTQ2 people. This year’s Pride Season marks the 50th anniversary of the first gay rights protests that took place in Vancouver and Ottawa in 1971, a turning point for the LGBTQ2 movement in Canada. Please use this an opportunity to express your solidarity and celebrate the resilience and spirit of those who have fought for freedom and equality. As long as discrimination and intolerance exists, we must challenge it.

June is recognized as Men’s Mental Health Month. Talking about mental health is important. Everybody’s mental health is important, regardless of gender. But the idea of men’s mental health is a newer concept. This month is an opportunity to open up about it and change the conversation. CSC has many resources to help you. Please reach out to Health Services. They are available to listen and help find appropriate resources.

Thank you for continuing your health habits and your ongoing cooperation.