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

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

Thank you to all of you who have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Currently just over 80% of inmates are now fully vaccinated, and 85% have had their first dose.

Vaccinations are key to minimizing the spread of COVID-19. They also protect you and others from becoming seriously ill. In addition to getting vaccinated, continue to wear your mask, wash or sanitize your hands frequently, and keep a physical distance of two metres from others.

As winter approaches, the chance of getting influenza—or the seasonal flu—also increases. Every year, a new vaccine is offered to help keep everyone from getting seriously ill with the flu. You may be more at risk of complications from the flu if you have a chronic disease, such as asthma, diabetes, or a heart condition. I encourage you to get your flu shot to prevent you from getting sick.

Please note that the flu shot is different from the COVID-19 vaccine. If you are not yet vaccinated against COVID-19, you can get it at the same time as your flu vaccine. Please speak with a health professional if you have any questions or if you wish to get vaccinated.  

Please remind your visitors that starting on Monday, November 15, they will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter an institution. As a transition period until January 24th, visitors who are not fully vaccinated can show proof of having received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine as well as a recent negative COVID-19 test result. This allows visitors time to receive their second dose within this timeframe. Visitors who are unable to be vaccinated due to a medical, religious or other exemption, need to communicate with the institution in advance to submit an exemption request. They will also have to show a negative COVID-19 test result at every visit.

CSC attended a meeting led by the Canadian Families and Corrections Network on November 9 to provide more information on the new vaccination requirement for visitors. Family members of individuals in custody attended and had the opportunity to ask questions.

The Movember Foundation raises awareness of men’s health issues. It also helps fund the Dad HERO program in some of our institutions. The program helps incarcerated dads learn about ways to bond with their children, how to improve communication skills, and how to co-parent, which helps with reintegration. I encourage those of you who are fathers to check out the Dad HERO program. If you are interested, please speak with your parole officer.

As I mentioned in my last note, in recognition of your ongoing cooperation, I have increased the holiday canteen from $175 to $200 this year.