COVID-19 update for offenders and their families: November 5, 2021
This content is a message to federal offenders and their families from Correctional Service Canada's (CSC’s) Commissioner.
I am pleased to report that 80% of inmates across the country are fully vaccinated, and 85% have received at least one dose. It is encouraging to see the percentages increase each week. Vaccines remain our best defence against the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you to those who have gotten vaccinated.
We are taking additional steps to ensure that our institutions remain healthy and safe. Starting on November 15, visitors will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter to a:
- federal correctional institution
- community correctional centre, or
- parole office
unless someone is unable to be vaccinated based on:
- a certified medical contraindication
- religion, or
- another prohibited ground of discrimination as defined under the Canadian Human Rights Act
Visitors who are unable to be vaccinated will have to submit an exemption request in advance and show a recent negative COVID-19 test result at every visit. If your visitors are seeking an exemption, please ask them to communicate with the institution in advance of a visit. To allow time for those who are not yet vaccinated to do so, there is a transition period between November 15 and January 24. During this time, visitors who are partially vaccinated will be allowed to enter if they show proof of having received their first dose as well as a recent negative COVID-19 test result.
We are working closely with the Canadian Families and Corrections Network (CFCN) and other stakeholders to ensure that this information gets out to your families and loved ones, and that we work to answer any of their questions.
The holiday season is fast approaching. It has been a challenging period and to recognize your collaboration and provide you with additional support during this time, I am increasing the holiday canteen limit from $175 to $200.
CSC is developing its first ethnocultural calendar and we are looking for offender submissions of original artwork or poetry that focuses on the anti-racism/anti-discrimination theme:
- This is Me…Beyond the Surface
This is an opportunity to express yourself through art and poetry. Let’s fight to stop racism and discrimination together! The submission deadline is November 15. For more information on submitting, please see a social program officer at your site.
November 5 to 11 is Veterans’ Week, which honours those who have served in conflict and peace. November 8 is Indigenous Veterans Day which recognizes the contributions and sacrifices made by the:
- First Nations
- Inuit, and
- Métis
members of our military who defended our country and our values in conflicts overseas. Join me in taking time to reflect on this in the coming week.
Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions.
Page details
- Date modified: