COVID-19 update for offenders and their families: September 3, 2021

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

It is September and many of you have children or grandchildren who have returned or will soon return to school. I wish them a safe and successful school year.

With the Delta variant being approximately 60 percent more contagious than other strains of COVID-19, cases are on the rise again across the country. Vaccines provide protection, but even if you are fully vaccinated, you still need to:

• wear your mask,
• wash your hands often,
•  and keep physical distancing

as additional layers of protection.

It can help protect you, and help prevent you passing the virus to others. Also, please get vaccinated if you have not already. We need to work together to prevent outbreaks as we move into the fall.

This coming Wednesday, September 8, is Federal Election Day at your institution. Please read over the pamphlet and posters that have instructions about what to do when you go to vote. Note that there will be health and safety precautions in place to keep everyone safe. Elections officials will also be screened for COVID-19 before entering your institution. They will wear masks the entire time they are in the facility.

Please wear a mask when you go to vote. There will be hand sanitizer at each polling station. If you have any questions about the election, please speak to your case management team. I encourage you to exercise your democratic right and cast your vote on September 8.

September 9 is Linguistic Duality Day. Linguistic duality is the existence of two majority language groups across Canada—English and French. It is about celebrating both languages and the rich heritage of Canada. Our institutions and parole offices across the country proudly support linguistic duality year-round. 

September 8 is International Literacy Day, which raises awareness of literacy difficulties, or the ability to read and write, that exist in our communities. CSC is proud to support literacy in our institutions through a 13-year partnership with Book Clubs for Inmates. If you want to learn more about the book club, speak to a social programs officer. If you already participate, be proud of your efforts to learn and work on your reading skills.

September 9 is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day, which promotes an understanding of those affected by this developmental disorder.

Individuals with this permanent disability face a number of challenges daily, and may need support with:

• motor skills,
• physical health,
• learning, memory,
• attention,
• communication,
• emotional regulation,
• impulsivity,
• anxiety, and
• social skills.

I encourage you to be sensitive to the challenges others may face and show them compassion and understanding.